Dear So and So

[Reesha]

Dear Hungrybear9562,

Your awe of the double rainbow from January 8th, 2010 never ceases to make my day. It always manages to put a smile on my face if it doesn't make me laugh out loud. Keep living in wonder of the world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

:D :D :D

[Becky]

Dear bosses-

Please please please hold people accountable for correctly doing their jobs. I cannot continue to be a crack-filler and fumble-jumper, taking on the projects that other people screw up, just so that I can correctly do my job and report accurate data.

I will now return to my regularly-scheduled database, the one that's missing 6 months' worth of permits and more errors that I can count, even with my shoes off.

[tulip]

Dear self--
Get your butt back on the bike. I realize the housework needs to be done, and we need food for the week, but still. Get out for at least a little bit every evening (or during the day) this week. Have fun on some of those hills.

This. :o

[PamNY]

Dear Esteemed People in Washington,
While we're talking about life in limbo....
Would you please renew the Federal Flood Insurance Program? My policy is up for renewal next month. It is hurricane season, and I live in an area that is a flood hazard. I pay for flood insurance, if you'd just send the bill! I do not want to be without flood insurance because you're playing politics. :eek:

What a good idea! People in Nashville, which flooded recently, are saying the same thing. I can't believe there hasn't been more of a public outcry.

[Flybye]

Dear Slow Twitch Muscles,
Don't go acting all high and mighty to teach me a lesson for never using you. It truly is not my fault that you are all about sports that I don't prefer.
Please be nice to me on the 20 mile hike.

[crazycanuck]

Dear Brain,

Thank you again for all the good work in semester 1 :D..

Dear odd log overs situated uphill..

Would you please send me good subliminal messages so i can hop over you? :rolleyes:

Dear New bike..you're funky..Uphills are much easier on you! :cool:

Signed happy camper

[Owlie]

Dearest bike--
I know. Stop giving me those looks. If it doesn't rain tomorrow morning, we're going out. I just don't feel like riding if I didn't sleep well the night before. Sorry. :(

Dear people upstairs--
Okay, I understand that last night was a Friday night. But loud (and probably beer-soaked) parties with your friends until all hours is not necessary. Your choice in music wasn't bad, but I don't quite understand how you manage to blast Coldplay. I wasn't sure it was actually possible. Also, it doesn't do much good if I'm trying to sleep.
The people downstairs.

[bmccasland]

I had other plans for today, and the money that I'll be billed shortly, why did you decide to break the water supply line to the house yesterday evening???? I really miss indoor plumbing. :(

But let's hear it for plumbers that work weekends and on really big bills don't add a weekend surcharge! :D

But I had planned to get some kitchen work done. :mad:

Day ended with the water line repaired and up to code - with a flexible line that will give as the ground settles, and copper line by the house that will withstand freezing. PVC was neither (and not code)

[NbyNW]

Dear person-trying-to-be-helpful,

I don't think your suggestion of a "gimmick," like bringing baked goods and coffee to an interview, will help my case. Not when I'm already viewed as a pushy, over-educated American. And what they're really looking for is someone to help their office hockey team.

------

Bmc, I'm glad you have your water back!

[Owlie]

Dear landlord--
Please be reminded that YOU are paying for the water, not me. The fact that the toilet is constantly running (and is beyond my level of expertise to fix) is costing you money. Send a plumber out.
Also, what is that giant thing on the dining room wall? And how do I get rid of it?

Dear bicycle--
I do not know what to do with you sometimes. I realize that wear and tear happens. However, this level of things going wrong at one time is insane. The derailleur, I can understand. Last time it was tweaked was December. The wheel and/or brakes, I don't. The brakes were adjusted in May. Your rear wheel was also trued in May. The bike shop guy put the wheel back on. You should not be having a problem this soon! You're lucky you have a tune-up coming up, so it can all be fixed then. (But not 'til August. :( )
Shape up, or there will be naked pictures of another Giant on Craigslist.
Love (really),
Your owner, who would rather take you on long rides than take you to the bike shop.

[Flybye]

Dear Self,
Sometimes you get in too big of a hurry. Please check the cookie recipe carefully and note that it has already been doubled before deciding in a haste to double the recipe. 18 cups of oatmeal makes for a huge batch of cookies and a LONG HOT day in the kitchen.

[redrhodie]

Dear Self,
Sometimes you get in too big of a hurry. Please check the cookie recipe carefully and note that it has already been doubled before deciding in a haste to double the recipe. 18 cups of oatmeal makes for a huge batch of cookies and a LONG HOT day in the kitchen.

You can send some to me if there are too many. ;) Just trying to help. :rolleyes:

[Veronica]

You could shape them into balls and then freeze them. Pull them out to cook later. Cooking time is a little longer. I do that with my chocolate chip cookies.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

I hear Zen's got a cookie truck ready to go. ;)



Dear TE'rs,

Sorry about all the emoticons. I just can't help myself. In person, if you tied my hands behind my back, I couldn't talk at all. Here, I do what I can. :p

[Flybye]

I ended up with 15 1/2 DOZEN - come and get em' and bring on the cookie truck.
Veronica, A side note, I wanted my name to be Veronica when I was little. It changed to Eileen when Dixie's Midnight Runners came out with "Come on Eileen." Back on topic, I have froze this dough before and it works splendidly - I just decided not to this time.

[Owlie]

I ended up with 15 1/2 DOZEN - come and get em' and bring on the cookie truck.
Veronica, A side note, I wanted my name to be Veronica when I was little. It changed to Eileen when Dixie's Midnight Runners came out with "Come on Eileen." Back on topic, I have froze this dough before and it works splendidly - I just decided not to this time.

Wanna send some over? ;) :D

[MomOnBike]

Dear hair,

OK, I know that you don't like the chemo, and are proving it by falling out in clumps and handfuls. But really, must all the dark hairs fall out first, leaving only the grey ones? Is that necessary? I'm already having enough trouble adjusting my self-image. This is not making it any easier.

Signed
Just Venting

[NbyNW]

Dear beloved puppydog,

I'm too tired to take you for another walk tonight. Please feel free to avail yourself of the back yard. That's why we have it. Really, it's not part of the house and we won't be mad if you relieve yourself there. Really, truly.

[bmccasland]

Dear Idiot driver of SUV with Indiana plates,
You did not need to stop in the middle of the road to let the bus in. The bus had the yield sign, you had the right of way. By your stopping, and impeeding traffic, you caused a chain reaction fender-bender accident. Unfortunately, the blue Jaguar behind you was stopped just far enough that when all this happened, you were able to drive away totally unscathed, and unaware of the problems you caused. Green turn arrow you drove through meant you had the right-of-way, the bus gets to wait until the light in our direction was red.

Now I get to add going to a body shop to get my bumpers and tail-light repaired to my list of things to do before I move. :mad:
Yeah, I hit the Jag, driven by a lawyer no less. But I was the car in the middle. No ticket for me, cause I stopped before hitting the Jag, then was forced into it by red Ford. sigh

[Catrin]

{{{{Beth}}}} - sorry to read about this. It sounds like you are fine?

[kmehrzad]

Sorry about the accident, Beth. I'm glad you're okay. It is a hassle handling the repairs, though. Wishing you a smooth move.

[bmccasland]

{{{{Beth}}}} - sorry to read about this. It sounds like you are fine?

Mad :mad: yes, but not hurt. Or more specifically, I was hurting from my *fun* PT session that I just left - we added more to the routine, than from the accident. My car is pouting, but it did kiss a Jag :cool::p

[OakLeaf]

Aw Beth, sorry that happened to you.

The only time I was rear-ended, I felt fine immediately afterward, but woke up the next day with pretty bad lower back pain that lasted three or four days (and low back pain is VERY unusual for me). Wouldn't hurt to give your PT a call and see if they want you to come back in, or adjust your home exercises for the time being. :(

Anyway, sure glad it wasn't worse and hope you can get your car fixed soon. Sounds like it's driveable at least, anyway?

[MM_QFC!]

"Mad yes, but not hurt. Or more specifically, I was hurting from my *fun* PT session that I just left - we added more to the routine, than from the accident. My car is pouting, but it did kiss a Jag "


hehehe, since you're headed this way, I will be glad to share my PT with you...I fondly named her "General" Julie :eek: not only because it's alliterative, but for her, uh, assertive manner :D I had been to lots of PTs in/around Seattle before I met her; the BEST.period.end of story. Also, she's not only a RAAM veteran but has had knee issues, surgery, so she had instant credibility with me! She's been a huge help to me, per injuries, coaching to my riding goals and overall improvement since 1999.

Am sorry to hear of the idiot driver causing all of this for you - when you least need it - whew! I hope that you're physically ok and can deal with it and move on...
Mary

[tulip]

Dear beloved puppydog,

I'm too tired to take you for another walk tonight. Please feel free to avail yourself of the back yard. That's why we have it. Really, it's not part of the house and we won't be mad if you relieve yourself there. Really, truly.

Your dog and my dog must have gone to the same Finishing School for Polite Dogs. It's annoying sometimes!

[NbyNW]

Your dog and my dog must have gone to the same Finishing School for Polite Dogs. It's annoying sometimes!

That, or they are afraid that relieving themselves in the yard would be making some kind of statement about their landscape architect moms' work! :p

[snapdragen]

Dear Chloe -- yes, the neighbors behind us removed the shed that was against the fence. You don't need to announce that it's gone each time you go in the back yard.

Corgi's are sooooo OCD...

[maillotpois]

But it's not there....

:eek:

[snapdragen]

But it's not there....

:eek:

My first corgi, Rikki, barked at the wall when we re-arranged some pictures. :rolleyes:

[Catrin]

My first corgi, Rikki, barked at the wall when we re-arranged some pictures. :rolleyes:

Interesting, I didn't know dogs get like that - I've never had a dog - always cats. I did have a cat once that would only attack a stuffed black bear I owned at the time if it was on my bed. That seemed to highly offend her as she would growl and "stalk" it, eventually to drag it off the bed. It was 4 times her size! Then she would ignore it until the next time it was on my bed ;)

[tulip]

That, or they are afraid that relieving themselves in the yard would be making some kind of statement about their landscape architect moms' work! :p

HA! I'm an LA, too! Funny.

[NbyNW]

HA! I'm an LA, too! Funny.

Yes, I've seen you mention that elsewhere. I don't talk about work much here, so you might not have known that about me!

[Owlie]

Dear BF:
I'm sorry your cat is rather insistent about you getting up in the morning...even if it is only to rub the Royal Belly and give His Highness his morning kitty treat. However, having tried to get you out of bed in the morning, I can only commend his efforts and success. Besides, imagine how he feels: "Mommy and Daddy left me alone with YOU?!" And at least the lazy slug is being useful. Congrats on your new furry alarm clock. :D

[Biciclista]

Dear rider of disgustingly dirty old white painted steel Bianchi hanging in the bike stand in my building (work)
I admit it, I couldn't resist. It was me who cleaned the frame of your bike.
Sadly, I don't imagine you'll even notice because a lot of the paint is banged up too.
It looks like you have gotten a lot of good miles on that bike, and I do believe the BIKE did not mind me cleaning it.
I hope now that the bike looks marginally better that someone does not steal it.

[NbyNW]

Dear rider of disgustingly dirty old white painted steel Bianchi hanging in the bike stand in my building (work)
I admit it, I couldn't resist. It was me who cleaned the frame of your bike.
Sadly, I don't imagine you'll even notice because a lot of the paint is banged up too.
It looks like you have gotten a lot of good miles on that bike, and I do believe the BIKE did not mind me cleaning it.
I hope now that the bike looks marginally better that someone does not steal it.

LOL! I would love to be a fly on the wall when that rider discovers their bike cleaner than when they left it!

[Owlie]

Dear BF:
I miss you terribly, and I'm very glad you'll be back here on a permanent basis in six days. However:
It's my bike, and my tires. Yes, they're a pain in the neck when it comes to getting the wheel off the bike, but it's still doable. There are less than 300 miles on those tires. They're still in good shape. I'll replace them with 700x23s when they wear out, but not before. Unlike you, my hobby isn't subsidized by like-minded parents.

[malkin]

Dear Volunteer Co-ordinators:

It doesn't matter how many times you say how much you value me and my time.

When the "training" meeting takes more than 3 hours and my duties will include refilling water bottles and cutting bananas in 2 pieces and oranges into 4 pieces it is pretty obvious that you have no awareness of my time or its value.

[OakLeaf]

Dear self,

Please pay better attention to the map and route before setting off on a long run on a hot day.

[Owlie]

Oak:
A little different, but the last time I did a "long" ride, my computer wasn't working (I think it was interference, because it was fine on the way back). The mile markers on the trail have worn off (they're painted directly on the trail), so I didn't know how far I'd gone until I got to an intersection. The sign on the other side said "Fort Ancient"...18 miles from home, and it was that first week of July, so 90s and sticky.:eek: I wasn't sure I could drive home from the trail head I'd parked at.
To make things worse, I had left my wallet at home. That was a fun drive...

Self:
This irrational fear of potholes is not helping anything. Most of our chosen routes do not have them in huge numbers, and those that are there are largely avoidable. If you really need to, you are allowed to get off and walk if you can do so without impeding traffic.
Go out and ride in an hour and a half and stop freaking out over every.possible.thing that could go wrong. It doesn't get anyone anywhere. Just enjoy yourself and your newly adjusted bike. (Besides, this may be the last time you get to ride as a "free woman." Enjoy it.)

[bmccasland]

Dear guys in the local SCA group,
I don't ask for help very often, but when I posted a note on the e-group friday evening requesting help to carry boxes out to the garage and move a bit of furniture, I really meant I could use the help. Guess helping a lady out on a sunday afternoon just wasn't a priority in life. Were you out slaying dragons? :confused:

Don't worry, I won't let the door hit me on the way out when I move to the PNW. :(:mad:

And many thanks to the one gal who did respond, we did get the job done. :D
Just both of us are heading for the stash of *good* pain killers this evening. :cool:

[Zen]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Women/WeCanDoIt.jpg

[katherine]

Dear In-Laws,
Car seats are not optional for toddlers. Ever. I don't care how short/rural/careful the trip. Thank you for putting me in a position where I have to choose between my children's safety and their beloved grandparents. That really sucked.
-an angry mother.

[Crankin]

Been there, done that, about 25 years ago.
Why is it always the in-laws?

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear drivers in my neighborhood,

I understand that you feel the need to drive a tank of an SUV despite living in a neighborhood with a two lane main road. However, while I an cycling in the centre of said main road because another tank of an SUV has seen fit to park in one lane, there is no need for you to nearly mow me over trying to pass there and then. Because you and I can both see that the road ahead is utterly congested. And I will laugh at you when I slip past your car on the double yellow lines to make my merry way home without getting caught in the traffic jam.

Dear Life,

Stop kicking my butt. I was doing good recovering from 4 years of hell, I'd like to keep doing so. Maybe you'd like to cut me some slack? Just a suggestion.

[redrhodie]

Dear Don Draper,
You are such a cad. Why do I find you so irresistible?

[Zen]

I'm sorry Red, Don can't answer you right now. He's busy ;)

[redrhodie]

I'm sorry Red, Don can't answer you right now. He's busy ;)

Probably dictating to his secretary.

[snapdragen]

Dear Minion,

When someone wants to meet with you to discuss your career development, it's probably not a good time to start screaming for union representation. They are trying to help your career....moron.

[Becky]

Dear self:
Don't feel guilty about taking a day off from work to work around the house and ride your bike. You've been working hard at the office, and need a break.

Dear sister:
I'm glad that you're coming to visit this weekend. But, if you're not going to tell me what you'd like to do or eat, you're on your own. I'll give you a spare key and directions to the grocery store and the mall ;)

[kmehrzad]

Dear self:
Don't feel guilty about taking a day off from work to work around the house and ride your bike. You've been working hard at the office, and need a break.


Enjoy your day, Becky. Make the most of it.

[Becky]

Thanks! I have been painting, finishing up some lingering projects, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.... Absolutely mindless, yet hands-on...

[OakLeaf]

Dear rain,

Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou. (And please keep raining for a while.)

[lph]

Dear beavers,

thank you for turning my hasty late evening attempt at a lake paddle into a magical experience :) Kayaking on black water under a large moon side-by side with 2 curious beavers doing their evening beaver thing, plashing down into the deep from time to time, was the best way ever to shake off a grumpy day.

[snapdragen]

Dear beavers,

thank you for turning my hasty late evening attempt at a lake paddle into a magical experience :) Kayaking on black water under a large moon side-by side with 2 curious beavers doing their evening beaver thing, plashing down into the deep from time to time, was the best way ever to shake off a grumpy day.

That sounds amazing lph!

[channlluv]

No doubt, lph. Magical indeed.

Roxy

[jessmarimba]

Please chill with your holier-than-thou arguments. Yes, you save money buying your camping gear, running shoes, and bikes (!) at Wal-mart. However, sometimes quality costs money.

- REI doesn't overprice their gear any more than any other retail outdoor store. Most of their prices are set by the manufacturer, and they can't discount below a certain amount.

- $1,500 really isn't a lot to spend on a good bike. At all. I'm not going to come scrape you off the road when the wal-mart bike crumbles beneath you.

- 26.2 miles at a 10-minute pace is neither as slow or as easy as you think it is. Try it someday.

And...unrelated...yes, the maxwell house coffee that you let burn in the coffee pot for six hours really does taste worse than starbucks.

Sincerely,
Your coworker who hasn't slept through the night in 6 weeks. Stop pushing my buttons.

[tulip]

Dear VW Dealer: You've lost a customer this time. Really, overcharging and not doing the right thing re warranty! This will be my final visit to your shop, except for the next time it rains so you can see for yourselves how my non-sunroof roof leaks inside my car!!! W-A-R-R-A-N-T-Y!!

Dear VW Owner's Club Forum: Thank you so much for providing such great information and advice on this windshield problem and the whole dealer-maintenance thing. From now on, I'll be going to my local mechanic for work on my car. I'll keep the receipts and all records, and save a ton of money, not to mention that the local mechanic is within walking distance of my house. The dealer is 20 miles away, with no way to get home and, today at least, no internet to work from the waiting room. Good thing I insisted on a loaner car!

[tulip]

Dear House,
You are really getting cute with your new paint job! New roof! New HVAC! New plumbing! New electric! New kitchen!

You can stop now. Really.

[bmccasland]

Dear House,
You are really getting cute with your new paint job! New roof! New HVAC! New plumbing! New electric! New kitchen!

You can stop now. Really.


I'm selling mine, after I pay off the electrician.... :rolleyes:

[Crankin]

Tulip, I could have written that letter. First year in five that we have no "major" project.
Of course, now the driveway needs to be re-paved. It will cost almost as much as the kitchen.

[JennK13]

What part of "please RSVP either way by August 20th" do you not understand? Especially, since you actually WANT to attend. And how is it my fault that you failed to respond even with the reminder I sent out two days before the cut-off date? It's not like I can add you now; after all, it's a Major League Baseball game which required me to order and purchase tickets by a certain date, hence the RSVP date I posted on the invitation.
The fact that there are quite a few of you is seriously disappointing. Though, it doesnt surprise me since none of you can turn in your timesheets or submit staff reports by the deadline, either.
You all suck, and I'll be sure to text you a picture of me with my beer and hotdog from the outfield just so you know what you're missing!

[jessmarimba]

Haha, you guys are doing a Rockies game too? We went about three weeks ago. Fortunately there are only three people in my office so it was really easy to get the RSVPs.

Have fun!!

[JennK13]

Yep! Coors Field has a pretty good deal - getting the rockpile tickets and having their Ball Park picnic in the "Platte River Rendez Vous" Area. 3 people would be a lot easier - I have 53 employees (+1 guest) and about 75 contractors to deal with. It's the employees I have difficulties with...they don't even have to pay - our boss is treating us. I thought it was a pretty simple yes or no question, with 3 weeks to think about it. ARRGGGGG!!!!!!!

[bmccasland]

Dear LtCol J - Thank you for listening at my exit interview. You looked a bit frightened when you said "you've given me a lot to think about." Apparently I solidified the rumors you've been hearing about the moral of the troops. Now will the command leadership actually do something? I hope so, for the sake of my colleagues that I'm leaving behind.

[Blueberry]

Dear World:

I really need a break. In the last month we have had:

A bike crash. DH is thankfully OK, but landed very hard on his head. It was very scary, and a very large bill. His helmet did its job, though.

A petsitter took our doggie for a "walk" and nearly killed him (heat stroke + totally taking the skin off 3 paw pads). 4 nights in the emergency vet and 6 plasma transfusions later, he's still here. She agreed to pay the $6k+ vet bill it took to save him (after pet insurance kicks in), and now appears to be re-thinking that agreement (or at the very least is avoiding us).

One trip for my birthday that had to be cancelled to care for said dog.

2 cars that have needed $1k+ of work.

2 parents who have become extremely needy while totally blowing me off. While said dog was still in the emergency vet, we "had" to drive 7+ hours to celebrate my cousin's July Birthday, my grandmother's late August birthday, and for my grandmother to get a "family photo" for holiday cards. Glad mom showed she appreciated the special trip I made in June to make sure she had her required "party" without which she throws a tantrum by barely calling me.

A job that may or may not be able to pay me this month.

DH's colleague who agreed to take care of helping us with MS ride donations in lieu of additional compensation for him who seems to have forgotten that commitment.

Please, no more. We're done. That's enough for the year.

[emily_in_nc]

Jeez, CA, I am so sorry to hear all these woes! So glad your DH and doggie will probably be okay, but still. No one deserves all that, plus job and family issues as well! You have definitely given at the office this time, and it's time for some GOOD KARMA. :o

Damn that guilt mothers can lay on us, no matter how old we get! Actually mine was pretty good about not doing that for a long time when I was younger, but as we both get older, it's starting to get worse. Not fun, but I can kind of understand where she's coming from, knowing that she doesn't have forever left. It's sad.

So sorry...
Emily

[Owlie]

Dear BF--
You know I love you, but could you find it within yourself to manage some of the practical things in life? You've been here for...four years and you don't know which shuttle goes where? Or which bus line goes where? And why do I keep having to remind you of our address? And what our rent is? And where to send it? All that is in the lease, which is in the desk. Come on.

[lph]

Dear local kayak forum that I lurk on,

geez, you are such a bunch of selfrighteous uppity geeks. No, kayakers aren't all one big selfless family, out there to meditate in silence, enjoy total simplicity and perceive the oneness of all things, and no, everybody else unlucky enough to not have discovered kayaking is not a bunch of stressed out unhappy ratracers who spend their time shopping before they collapse in front of the tv at night.

Most of you are just like the people you despise, constantly wanting more and better gear. It's fine, it's human nature, but you're no better than the rest so stop going on about it. If you really want to try the simple life, turn off your computer and go out in the woods and pick berries, like the little old ladies I see every weekend. You might notice that there are lots of other people out there, all seeking your precious silence in a much simpler way :rolleyes:

[snapdragen]

Hmmm...sounds like some bike geeks I know...


//no one here on TE of course. :)

[JennK13]

Dear BF--
You know I love you, but could you find it within yourself to manage some of the practical things in life? You've been here for...four years and you don't know which shuttle goes where? Or which bus line goes where? And why do I keep having to remind you of our address? And what our rent is? And where to send it? All that is in the lease, which is in the desk. Come on.

Owlie,
Does my DH have a double life with you???? :)

[bmccasland]

Dear Friend,
Why exactly did you publically post that you've had a lousy day on FB, illude to the rotteness of your day, then continue that you don't want anyone to reply? Is there any logic to your thought processes? I happen to know you're an intelligent human being. I considered replying on FB about the illogic of your post, but didn't want to incur your rath. :confused:

Hope things go better for you tomorrow. :cool:

[Grits]

Dear Earl,
Please turn to the right. Don't stall, keep moving at a brisk pace. Thanks.

Lori

PS Your timing sucks. Labor Day weekend. Really?:(

[tulip]

Dear Self,
It's going to be okay. Really. Yes, September is going to be a hell of a work month, but remember that you cannot do it all, and that's okay. Do what's most important, and the rest will take care of itself. This is not a time for perfection. Good enough is more than enough.

Must dos:
grant applications (2)
tax exemption applications
newsletter

There. That's better. Only three things. Focus on those. It will be okay. The other 52 things are not important.

The vacation that you planned months ago is fine. Don't cancel. It's all good.

B-R-E-A-T-H-E

[bmccasland]

Dear Head,
I know you've been sending hints that I need to slow down, but I'm trying to move us to a more sane place. Did you have to slam me with a nasty migraine going on two days now?? And why did you drag stomach into it? :(
I still have a to-do list and that includes having some fun with my friends, will you please cooperate tomorrow?

[NbyNW]

Dear Head,
I know you've been sending hints that I need to slow down, but I'm trying to move us to a more sane place. Did you have to slam me with a nasty migraine going on two days now?? And why did you drag stomach into it? :(
I still have a to-do list and that includes having some fun with my friends, will you please cooperate tomorrow?

Beth -- moving is stressful. Take good care of yourself! Feel better soon.

[Catrin]

Dear Boss,

You do not understand the technical nature of what I do - nor the amount of blood, sweat, and lack of sleep it is going to take me over the next 4 days to get this nearly impossible task done in time. I know it is not your fault, we have to get the data to the consultant in time to be ready for the huge series of public meetings. It simply has to be done and I will do it. That is why I get paid.

A little more notice would have been nice, but I recognize that you did not know what kind of effort this will require. It sounded simple, but it is far from it. At least you looked guilty when it dawned in you the kind of effort required for me to deliver.

I will, however, not allow this to interfere with my long bike ride this weekend. So who needs sleep? Oh yes, I don't want to hear about how to do quality control, with THIS deadline, there will be no time for it. At all. I like that less than the lack of sleep on the horizon :mad: The more tired I become, the greater the chance I make a mistake, and there will be no time for someone to check my work.

[indysteel]

Gosh, Catrin. This sounds like a stressful situation.

Promise me you'll get some sleep. You'll just make yourself sick--which is bad for lots or reasons, including your training.

Says your worrywort friend. Hanf in there!

[Becky]

You do not understand the technical nature of what I do.

This must be one of the requirements to enter management. Another has to be the inabilty to listen to the technical people ;)

Hang in there, Catrin!

[jessmarimba]

Eek! I wish I could help! Good luck!

[Catrin]

Gosh, Catrin. This sounds like a stressful situation.

Promise me you'll get some sleep. You'll just make yourself sick--which is bad for lots or reasons, including your training.

Says your worrywort friend. Hanf in there!

All of last summer was like this, and this is just the beginning. I've been expecting it but not this suddenly. This particular situation is short-lived though. I will get (a little) breather before the next one.

I will sleep in Saturday morning, as well as Sunday morning - I will just work until I can't hold my eyes open. Wake up, ride, get back to work. Thankfully my computer at home is far more powerful than my modeling computer at work, so I can work faster here. If I can stay off TE :o

[Catrin]

This must be one of the requirements to enter management. Another has to be the inabilty to listen to the technical people ;)

Hang in there, Catrin!

Woooooooot! I have about 20 minutes of work left and I will have completed all I needed to this weekend! That makes 17 hours of work at home since I left the office early yesterday afternoon. AND I still got an hour bike-ride this afternoon - it was a choice of riding my bike or tossing my computer out the window...

So now my long training ride tomorrow is ON - we will see how easily it goes after too many hours on my butt since this all came down on Thursday...AND I am getting stretched by someone who knows what she is doing right before I go - it will be an interesting day on my new clipless pedals

Still not happy it came down this way, but such is life. Am thankful to have a job I like and most of the time it is not like this.

Now time for a beer and a good book :) Should probably hold off on the beer until after my day on the bike tomorrow, but I think I've earned it!

[inkspot]

Dear inconsiderate and just plain cruel non-cyclists,

Why must you call out insults and humiliate people who are simply out trying to get some exercise and enjoy one of the last warm days of the year?

Thank you for stating the obvious - clearly the plus-size girl does not look like the model in the ad for her Louis Garneau shorts (huh... I thought the body came with the shorts... guess not).

Thank you also for ensuring that others around would then turn, gawk, and feel the need to add in their two cents worth on my appearance.

And lastly, thank you for trying to add a little creativity and wit to your insults - because I've never heard "hey I didn't know pigs could ride bikes," or "hey fatso, get off the road, you're cracking the pavement" before.

In conclusion, YOU SUCK!

Sincerely,

Someone who is attempting to exercise more than just her mouth and her ego.

[Biciclista]

good grief, inkspot, I'm sorry you had to go through that.


To the SOB who was driving the diesel truck pulling the off road jeep.

Yes, we ARE traffic. Even though you rudely and loudly sounded your horn (airhorn, thanks, we heard you) we ARE still traffic. what is more, unfortunately for you, we are NOT able to get off the road. When the shoulder is 20 inches wide, you really have to either cross the yellow line (which IS illegal) or slow down until it IS safe for you to pass. You rattled us to the core, but you did not scare us off the road. we are traffic. get used to it.
I find it ironic that you people hog the road so that you can then ride your fat tired jeeps all over the countryside where there are no roads, but you apparentlly can't share either.. We're not going away. get over it.

[OakLeaf]

((((((inkspot))))))

People are a-holes. There's no other word for it ... I'm sorry that happened to you.

[emily_in_nc]

Inkspot,

So sorry you had to be the brunt of those imbecile's taunts. :( Please try not to let them discourage you from getting healthier and having fun. Only very small-minded people amuse themselves by knocking others down.

[Owlie]

Dear boyfriend:
I get that you've been riding longer than I have. However, just because you have never experienced these problems does not mean that I'm "doing it wrong" or that "it's supposed to be like that and [I'm] not used to it yet." You lack a few of the parts involved, for one thing. I know my body better than you do, thanks very much.
I think your "helpful adjustments" have created more problems than they've solved. I'll take the arm soreness over mashed girly bits, and the hip pain is not from pedaling too hard. I know what that feels like. This is due to overstretching thanks to your overzealous seatpost adjustment. (Okay, that was partly my fault.) I now need to go put my saddle back where it was. :mad:

[jelee1311]

I feel your pain -literally still can't find the right saddle some days I have doubts about the man too. Hang in there I have faith that if they can put a man on the moon ,that someday they will make a saddle to fit me.

[Trek420]

Dear neighbors,

I think it's grand that you walk with your kids to school. I applaud you for herding a half dozen or so kids to the elementary, then the middle school in a group.

It's just when you all walk right smack down the center of the street dontcha think that's not a good habit to teach the children? Do you see me smacking my head, stopping the car and waiting of course, then smiling and pointing to the side walk?

And I see you with no reaction to that whatsoever.

I know, I know, I need to bike to work so we can really have this discussion out from behind the window. :mad:

[Owlie]

The big problem is that the reach on my bike is a hair too long, so until I can get a proper fitting and a new stem (or change the angle on my adjustable stem, but I'm not exactly amenable to that), I tweaked the saddle position earlier this summer. While it does put more weight on my arms because it stretches me out a bit more, the parts are happy. He's trying to compensate for the reach. This results in pain.

[indysteel]

Dear Dr. Orthodontist:

I'm tired of dealing with your office. I want my braces off like yesterday. We're going on three years now. The fact that your office hours are now so limited--meaning that I have to take off work to stick with the treatment plan--is really p*ssing me off.

Just a little back story. My ortho has two offices, one on the north and one on the southside of town. When I first started with my braces, they didn't need to see me all that often, so scheduling wasn't a huge headache. A year into my treatment, a new doctor joined the southside office with the idea that he would buy the practice from him in time. Once he joined, they offered expanded hours, including early mornings. The timing was really fortunate, because we had reached a point in my treatment where I needed to be seen much more often. Over the next year, things were great, as I had a standing 7:30 a.m. appointment every two weeks.

Then, out of nowhere, the new doctor and all of his staff disappeared. I don't know why or what happened, but when I showed up for an August appointment, all the old people were there and all the new were gone. Without explanation. It sort of freaked me out, especially since I liked the new doctor and staff better.

But that also means that the old doctor is back to limited hours at the soutside location. I really try to avoid having to go in the middle of the day. For one thing, I have a job. For another, the office is in between my house and my office. He's only at the southside office a day or two a week, so if I can't make it that day, it totally screws me up.

So, when it became apparent today that they had few appointments, I sort of lost it. I'm tired of the braces as it is, but not they've become an even bigger pain in the butt. I'm done paying for them, so the thought of taking my file and finding a new doctor isn't appealing either. It's like I'm a hostage.

Ugh.

[redrhodie]

Dear Indysteel,

Once you get them off, your teeth will want to slide back to their old position, so maybe a little extra time in the braces might be better for your alignment in the long run. I got my braces off when I was 25 after wearing them for 3 years, and I still wear my retainer every night (I'm 43). My teeth still moved, even with all my diligence.

But boy, was that first baguette after the braces came off good! :D

[indysteel]

I'm actually generally pretty Zen about the length of treatment assuming it means a more stable result. I'm just frustrated by the office situation. Having so few office hours just makes it more difficult for me across the board, and they're busier when I AM there, so I get less attention.

[Owlie]

Dearest boyfriend:
Where do I start? I realize you have work to do, and I have nothing to do but study for the GRE, cook, and clean. BUT. You've said it yourself: You live here, and it's not fair on me to have to do everything. I see precious little evidence of you acting on this. I can't even persuade you to take the trash out yourself or move your stuff so I can clean under it. I'm a little sick of asking you to do X, having you answer "Okay! Give me a minute"...and it never gets done. You're out $30 because you didn't return the splitter that's been sitting in the living room for a month. And I'm tired of using your computer or going to Starbucks to use the internet. You've been saying for a month that you'll be ordering the router.
One more thing: If you're going to sleep in my bed, I'd appreciate it if you didn't scoot to the middle and then do impressions of starfish. I'm in your room, minus my comforter. It's freezing in here.:mad:

[Catrin]

Dear Hamstring,

What is up with your recent behavior? As soon as you started complaining and asking for attention I started taking it easy on the bike and in spinning class. Even dropped the exercises at the gym that focuses on you. I have been babying you, and how do you choose to act? You wake me up in the middle of the night complaining further. Please cease and desist this activity now, I really would like to have a nice hilly ride this weekend in a beautiful state forest rather than a gentle spin in wind-swept cornfields :cool:

PS - I know my quads and core muscles are very tight and am working with that, so be please be patient...

[Owlie]

Dear wireless internet:
I love you. That is all.

[jessmarimba]

Dear Kitchen:
Please clean yourself, or you will be outsourced to taco bell. Thanks.

[Catrin]

Dear Apartment,

I am moving out in 3.5 weeks, and just learned that my work schedule will also be insane for the next 5 weeks. Please help me out by helping me pack - and anything else you can think of that will help me depart from you. I am sure that your next inhabitant will be home more than I...

[indysteel]

Dear Apartment,

I am moving out in 3.5 weeks, and just learned that my work schedule will also be insane for the next 5 weeks. Please help me out by helping me pack - and anything else you can think of that will help me depart from you. I am sure that your next inhabitant will be home more than I...

Ugh; I hate packing and moving. Do you have a lot of stuff?

[Catrin]

Ugh; I hate packing and moving. Do you have a lot of stuff?

I probably don't have as much furniture as most people do, and I have actively been thinning out other things as much as I can so I don't have so much to move. It is just that my job is intense enough right now, that the move is just going to increase my stress that much more - but it is only for a short time. The new apartment really is nicer, and I will be able to ride from home after I move - a great improvement :)

[emily_in_nc]

Dear Kitchen:
Please clean yourself, or you will be outsourced to taco bell. Thanks.

Thanks for the laugh! Good one! :D

[Owlie]

Our kitchen got outsourced to Chipotle tonight. Closer and not as sketchy as the nearest Taco Bell. :D Thanks for that laugh.

[inkspot]

Dear school:

Can I have a week off, please? After three straight years without a vacation, I really want to sleep...

Sincerely,

One tired student

[pinkychique]

Dear Stupid,

I'm really glad you're riding your bike to the gym, but if you're going to ride it, and lock it up, at least know the RIGHT way to lock it up. As in go through YOUR frame, not your quick release back wheel and then through MY frame thus locking my bike up and not yours.

Hope you learned something from the note I left you.

Sincerely,

Me

[bmccasland]

Dear Herald,
Would you please hold down your breakfast? Coming "home" to the hotel, to find you've tossed breakfast, again, is not exactly pleasant. :( You hold down dinner and it's the same thing. I don't understand. Am I going to need to add a Vet bill to my VISA card? :eek:

[jessmarimba]

Oh wow pinky, that had to be a pain!

And bmccasland - I wonder if it's just stress? You just moved, right? My cats will do that sometimes if I've been gone - eat and then puke it all right up within half an hour or so. It's pretty disgusting, but if dinner is staying down Herald is probably ok.

[marni]

Dear Stupid,

I'm really glad you're riding your bike to the gym, but if you're going to ride it, and lock it up, at least know the RIGHT way to lock it up. As in go through YOUR frame, not your quick release back wheel and then through MY frame thus locking my bike up and not yours.

Hope you learned something from the note I left you.

Sincerely,

Me

inquiring minds want to know how you got free if the chain was through his wheel- even taking it off of the bike wouldn't quite work although I would have done that just to say thank you.

[pinkychique]

inquiring minds want to know how you got free if the chain was through his wheel- even taking it off of the bike wouldn't quite work although I would have done that just to say thank you.

I considered taking the frame, picking up another ill-locked back wheel and riding home, but thought that would be viewed as stealing :rolleyes: Totally considered it though. I made SO ride home and come back with the car since I wasn't interested in walking 3 miles in the dark. Then drove back to pick up my baby after dinner. Dumbass tore up my note and stuck it in random places...guess she didn't like the correction :p

While I waited I found a mtb with nothing but a U-lock locked to his front wheel and sitting on the ground...coulda found an extra front wheel quite easily too :rolleyes:

Wanna bet 90% of stolen bikes were people who didn't know how to lock it up right?

[Blueberry]

Dear Pedestrian:

When I quickly flicked my lights to let you know that I was stopping for you, and stopped several car lengths from where you were crossing, coming at my car in a threatening manner, shaking your fist *with a baby carrier on your arm* was really not smart. And not appreciated. I don't know how you could have thought I was being anything but courteous. I hope the female you were with gives you a stern talking to. Safe travels, d!ck head.

[malkin]

Dear Person who made my Boots,

I know you are out there, because these boots were clearly made by a person who knew how to make boots for human feet like the ones I have at the bottom of my legs.

Thank you. You did good work.

That the boots you made ended up Nordstrom Rack must not be taken as any kind of insult, rather it is the miracle that led them to my feet where they have nourished my body and soul which were both pretty much in need right now.

*insert the blessing of your choice here*

[bmccasland]

Dear former document writer,
When you cut and paste information from another document, with the intent to go back and edit it later to the pertinent information for the particular project at hand, could you at least mark the erroneous information with a different font or color? It makes finding the sections that need editing easier - even for yourself. Kind of embarrassing to send a completed document over to the client with photos of adjacent property that are actually miles away, or references to a creek that isn't there. Let alone makes it extremely difficult for someone else to pick up your lousy work and fix it. I want to choke you right about now. Good thing you're teleworking. :mad:

[Selkie]

Dear Coworker -- Stay home when you're sick. And if you insist on coming in to work sick, it would be nice if you didn't chose that particular day to hang around my work area, talking to yourself, constantly clearing the thick phlegm from your throat, and sneezing. I'm seeking Divine Intervention in co-existing gracefully with your Type A, OCD personality (and I thought your gum cracking/snapping/bubble blowing and negative comments were bad.....). When you're sick and spreading germs, it's a greater challenge.

[jessmarimba]

beth - it sounds like you might do something similar to what I do for a living. Only at this point, my reports are getting reviewed about 5 times before they go out the door (3 weeks late) because several of our reviewers aren't qualified to review.

[Eden]

Dear jack@ss,

We're still trying to figure out what the heck you were doing to hit my parked car the way you did, but the least you could have done is stopped and manned up to it - I was looking directly at you from my living room window as you wrenched your green SUV off of the edge of my front bumper, pulling it 1/2 way off in the process.... BTW, I did call the cops and if they spot a green SUV with damage and red paint on its front passenger side they will tow it....

What really sucks is that the damage you did is probably worth more than the car, so claiming it is useless. Unless I want the insurance company to total my car, I have to live with it (hubby is seeing right now if he can get the fender back on, horn may or may not work... the connector was ripped free, cracked [I have a saturn- its plastic] front fender will just have to stay that way - maybe I'll print a big bandaid on vinyl sticker for it....)

[emily_in_nc]

Aww, that sucks, Eden! Any reason you didn't run screaming out of your house at the jerk since you saw him do it, or were you too far away? Too bad you couldn't get his license tag #, but hopefully the cops will find the low-life scum.

[Eden]

He didn't stick around very long - by the time I made it out the front door (in my socks...) he was already at the end of the street... I only saw his plate for a second so I only got a few of the numbers. I think I did stand in the middle of the street and say bad words at him - but not terribly loudly as he was already too far away to hear me...

My husband got the bumper banged out and put back on good enough that it doesn't show too much (besides the missing paint at least) stays on and doesn't hit anything - though he says there are some parts that were destroyed underneath. The hanging wires were the horn, but it was OK once he reconnected it.

This actually is par for the course around here.... I don't have a driveway, so I have to park on the street. We've lost 4 mirrors over the life of the car and no one ever owned up to any one of those. When we had a truck we actually did catch someone who hit it - probably only because he had a little sports car. He hit our parked F250 hard enough to wedge that little car right underneath and he couldn't get free.... The guy was high as a kite, but he was insured and they did pay to have the big old truck fixed - they kind of had to, he stoved in the grill and crumpled the front fender enough that you couldn't open the drivers side door.

[lph]

dear sweet cat,

i know you are just so beside yourself with joy that i actually came home and fed you at 1 am instead of forgetting your evening meal, and you are having a swell time lying upside down in my lap playing with ny necklace and purring your heart out.. but i'd really like to go to bed now, please. cant you just go somewhere and be boring?

one-handedly yours,
your human

[Catrin]

dear sweet cat,

i know you are just so beside yourself with joy that i actually came home and fed you at 1 am instead of forgetting your evening meal, and you are having a swell time lying upside down in my lap playing with ny necklace and purring your heart out.. but i'd really like to go to bed now, please. cant you just go somewhere and be boring?

one-handedly yours,
your human

Awwww, how sweet :D

[jelee1311]

Dear husband, thank you for the icepack for my leg,the understanding when I didn't want to go to your friend's birthday party even after I dragged you through 3 hours of pumpkin patch helll. Thank you for coming home from the party and cleaning up dog puke so I could go to bed,and cleaning up more dog puke(don't know what in gods name he ate) this morning so I could go to work. Thanks for picking up our daughter after your nasty,cold,muddy,wet CCX race and then asking me how my day went and actually listening. I'm sure I don't say it enough thank you

[Owlie]

Dear body--
Please tell me that this bout of the sniffles is because I haven't cleaned the apartment for mumblety mumblety and not because I'm getting a cold. I'll be plying you with hot tea and miso soup in the meantime...

[channlluv]

I know you're the head of the entire medical system's weight management program, and I know you're in charge of all of their weight management drug studies, and you're the guy in charge of their bariatric surgery programs, too...so I really, really was hoping for more helpful advice from you than, "At your age and with your genetics, the best you can hope for is to level yourself down to 180. You're a pear. You're very clearly a pear, with some apple overlay, but that apple fat will fall away quickly. This around your hips and thighs, this hangs on. I really don't have a program for you. I wouldn't recommend any of the drugs on the market right now. There just aren't any that I think would work for you, not with the heart disease in your family.

You might consider becoming a strict vegetarian. And by that I mean eating mostly vegetables and some lean protein. No processed foods whatsoever. Barring that, I think your best solution is gastric bypass. Not lap band. The success rate just doesn't impress me. I think you should go with gastric bypass."

I said, "But that's permanent."

He nodded and said, "Yes, but this is a disease you're going to have to deal with for the rest of your life. If you were diabetic, we wouldn't take you off your meds as soon as your blood sugar stabilized. I've seen a lot of people in your condition (morbidly obese) get a new lease on life after gastric bypass."

I left his office feeling horribly discouraged. He told me I seemed to be very well-educated on diet, supplements, exercise, and all that, and that I should be grateful I don't weigh more, that it's only because I do eat so well and exercise so much that I don't weigh much more than I do. I'm in that class of people who were built to survive the starvation times back in the days when humans were still hunting and gathering. Great.

I barely contained the tears as I sat in his office listening to him telling me I have no hope of getting down to my ideal weight. The best I can hope for is 180? Really?

He made the point that my weight hasn't fluctuated all that much, even though I've had periods of little or no activity due to injuries, and periods of lots of activity when I'm actively training. My diet doesn't change all that much. I'm stabilized at 225 - 230. That's become my body's set point.

Can you imagine?

Then I saw this really hateful blog post on Marie Claire's site. It was shared by a Facebook friend. Basically this NYC fashionista declared that fat people shouldn't be on TV, that she's uncomfortable watching a fat person walk across a room, much less get intimate on TV (some new show calle Mike and Molly or something), and why don't we just step away from the donuts and "do us (skinny people, I guess) all a favor and go for a walk." She doles out a bunch of standard diet and exercise advice, and asks people whether or not by posting this if they all feel this way, or is she just being a jerk. She got a lot of responses, all negative and in the "jerk" column, but still, I got her message.

So I came home yesterday and did an hour on the treadmill, some of it while crying -- try catching your breath between sobs at 4 mph and a level 2 incline. Today I swam half a mile. I'm feeling better. Some.

Still...gastric bypass? How am I going to fuel a century with a gastric bypass?

Ugh.

[Veronica]

Why read stuff like that? It's just not productive or healthy.

I know you have a lot of health issues and you want to weigh less, but sometimes you just have to accept your body as it is and make the best of what genetics gave you. Do the things you love doing and that make you happy. Stop worrying about some ideal weight. Love the life you've got.

As long as we live, time passes by
And we won't get it back when we die

Bowling for Soup

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

(((((((channlluv)))))))

Here, read this. http://redvinylshoes.com/ She guest-blogged for B*tch Magazine over the fall and I really loved what she had to say. The archive of her pieces for them are ... well, dang it, sometimes TE goes too far with the editing...

I can't even give you a hidden link because the software edits out the name of the magazine. Anyway, here's most of the link: http://*****magazine.org/profile/tasha-fierce You'll have to cut and paste and type in the name of the magazine yourself. :rolleyes:

[bmccasland]

Dear Herald,
Before we go off and spend time and money with a Veternary Internist - I wish you could tell me if you are just in the winter of your years. Is it something that can be fixed, considering you're 16, or do we just try to make you comfortable? I do appreciate the fact that you've gone a whole week without throwing up, I'll forgive the icky hairball. I'm sorry you don't feel your old self. :(
I'm glad you felt up to eating a little dinner this evening. Maybe you just don't like what the restaurant is serving? :rolleyes:

[malkin]

I think your expert doctor guy is really concerned with getting statistically significant results for his studies. He's given up something for it though, something like kindness, humanity, bedside manner and all the other stuff he probably wrote on his med school application essay.

Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself.

[channlluv]

Thanks. I'm actually doing better today. I've resumed logging my food and exercise in Lose It! Getting in the pool felt really good today. I may go for a ride tomorrow. Depends on how I feel when I get up.

I can only do what I can do. Not to resign myself to being happy at 230, but I can work harder at losing the 50 pounds he said I could lose.

We'll see.

Roxy

[jelee1311]

Channlluv, I'm sorry that whole sitution just sounds crappy.Kudos to you for not giving up its too bad your doctor doesn't seem to feel that way. Keep riding, swimming, or whatever works for you. Realize and tell yourself you are beautiful no matter what the scale says .

[lph]

Beth - aww, poor Herald. Don't you wish they could talk sometimes and tell you what's up?

channlluv - what a childish and snotty thing to write on a blog! And untrue, obviously, she does not speak for many people. It may not help, but I realized at some point that unless you're completely invisible in society, somebody somewhere is always going to dislike you, whether it's for your opinions or for your looks or your behaviour or, more often than not, for belonging in some way to a group they desperately want to distance themselves from.

I also really think you need a second opinion from a doctor with experience from athletes, not just weight loss as such. I don't distrust doctors in general, but I know that there are plenty of people here on TE who can verify how you can be heavy and fit at the same time, and how it's more important to focus on what you can do - like a century - than the number you weigh. It just doesn't jive to me that drastic surgery is the best option for someone who wants to be active.

[Becky]

(((((Roxy))))

Doctors really do stink sometimes...especially the ones at the top.

Does your doc have a nurse practitioner or two in his practice? They're my secret weapon! IME, they have more time and patience than most docs, and generally more compassion too. I only see my endocrinologist if I absolutely must- the rest of the time, I schedule with a NP.

Don't let him defeat you.

[bmccasland]

If Herald could talk, he'd probably say: "Baby, I don't feel good, and I don't know why. I just don't feel right."

Channlluv - living in the "itty bitty town" of San Diego, there has to be another doctor you could go to for a second opinion. Surgery is drastic. There has to be a doc out there, more into fitness than knives that could help you. Piffle on mean spirited people and their blogs - according to them, probably most of us are "fat" too - as in we aren't anorexic thin, we're fit (some more than others :rolleyes:), we're curvy, and we'll walk them to the ground. Let's challenge her to a 5 mile bike ride!

[Trek420]

((((Channlluv))))))

I'm sorry the Dr's are being such Richard Heads but that is what surgeons generally do, they cut, recommend cutting. You've done all the research, there's nothing wrong, now you're good to go.

Do you do intervals. hill repeats, weights? Have a coach? You're healthy, fit and strong. I'd ditch the scale. If you want to measure something measure the town line sprint, or speed up that "nemesis" hill, or a lap in the pool.

Get stronger and faster. :D The inches might fall off, you may still be the same weight but who cares. Being fast and strong is fun and looks great at any weight. Then if a Dr wants surgery you say:

"you, me, any day, any bike, any hill, let's go. If you can beat me you can do the surgery".

http://www.biggirlbiking.com/2010/07/i-dont/

[lph]

"Richard Heads"?? :D :D

My turn:

dear middle boss,

most of the time I like you. You're funny, outgoing, friendly and refreshingly straightforward. But sometimes your "aw shucks, can't we just keep this simple" tone can be a bit grating. Like when you're axing half the work I did last week. I spent three days writing that letter. I ran it by my so-called superior (who isn't because he doesn't do his job, but that's another matter) - he wanted a lot more wordy fluff and everything repeated three times, in illogical order. I carefully sifted through his additions, kept the essentials, re-ordered it and ditched the fluff. I ran it by the legal people. They tweaked a bit. I ran it by my closest boss. He thought it was great.

So when you suddenly turn up and cut half of what I've written it is a bit annoying. It's fine that you want to cut it down, but grant me a little respect. You don't have to go on and on in an exasperated "I am the voice of reason" tone implying how pointlessly detailed and unnecessary it all is. And when you in addition look to my so-called superior for agreement - who is suddenly weathervaning and agreeing all over the place with you that this should be as short as possible - I start seething inside. I'm one of the best writers you have, and I don't deserve that tone.

Yeah, I know you noticed me seething. Good.

[hebe]

I hope the karma fairy will be along for certain bosses, bloggers and surgeons soon. I hope Herald feels better soon.

Dear woman who telephoned while I was fixing my toddler's tea. No, you cannot have my dh's mobile number if you won't tell me who you are or even what organisation you work for. Telling me that you need to speak to him urgently about his credit card is not good enough, as I happen to know that he has two cards, and one of the providers always identifies themselves when leaving a message. So that would make you either Amex, in which case please use the contact details that he provided on the corporate application form, or some random stranger in which case go away.

[channlluv]

Thanks, jelee, Beth, Becky, lph, and Trek, and everyone else who's offered up supportive comments. Each and every one of you make great points.

I do need to go find a sports-focused nutritionist. I will not succumb to the surgical solution unless I've really, really tried everything else, and yes, I need to do more in the way of intervals and sprints.

I do them now, but not with any kind of intention. More like, ooo, a straightaway. I can go fast. Yay! That lasts for about 20 seconds before my legs remind my gumption that it's actually kind of challenging to push 230 pounds around on a bike and can we please go back to that manageable 14mph?

But yes, Trek, I get your point.

If anything, this experience with Dr. Honcho has gotten me focused back on my training, because I've been really slacking off since I injured my knee doing that 5k-a-Day thing in August. It's mostly healed. Still a little twingy, but not bad. Time to get back on track.

Thank you, friends!

Roxy

[Catrin]

I am glad you are feeling better Channelluv! I was shocked that his first choice for you was the knife, I have noticed from the comments of others I know that surgery appears to be the first choice more often than not these days.

Good for you to not allow his comments to get you down, and I think a sports-nutritionist is an excellent choice. Also glad to hear you knee is feeling better :)

[redrhodie]

Dear National Grid,

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! You are so frustrating! Just send the repairman already!

[Owlie]

Dear boyfriend:
This habit of shooting yourself in the foot is not an attractive quality in a mate. Here we go again...


Me.

[Trek420]

I do them now, but not with any kind of intention. More like, ooo, a straightaway. I can go fast. Yay! That lasts for about 20 seconds before my legs remind my gumption that it's actually kind of challenging to push 230 pounds around on a bike and can we please go back to that manageable 14mph?

But yes, Trek, I get your point.

Exactamundo! That's your interval. :) 20 seconds is fine, then go back to the manageable yet admirable and respectable 14 mph for 30 seconds to a minute, then when safe to do so sprint again till the legs yell, rest, repeat.

Ask your trainer how many and how often to start with and then build to.

But I just took my measurements and yikes :eek: my weight and pants size was holding so I did not notice that my waist is bigger. That won't do, the apple shape is not so healthy for me so if you don't mind being my inspiration I'll be doing the stairs or a hill near work at lunch twice a week, say Monday Wednesday.

I have to bump it up a notch and add that to my workout. :cool:

[bmccasland]

Dear Bonnie and Calypso,
The water glass is mine, mine, I say. You have a huge water bowl in the kitchen, and a cup on the bathroom counter. Why do you feel the need to drink out of my water glass, or worse yet, stick your paw in it, then lick from the paw? We're in a small hotel suite, it isn't THAT far to either the kitchen or the bathroom. I don't drink out of your bowl or cup, so please leave my glass of water alone.

Thank you.

[snapdragen]

Beth - at least they only want your water. Chloe tries to drink my coffee in the morning..:eek: Just what the world needs, a caffeinated corgi.

[redrhodie]

Eddy's not happy until he tips the glass over. He tips his water bowl over, too. Yeah, it's fun game, especially at 4 am.

[crazycanuck]

I swear both of our doggies are on permanent caffiene...:eek::rolleyes:

[marni]

the attached picture shows why we have difficulty using any sink in the house. Tux, the Maine coon cat is incapable of passing any water, standing or running without trying to dig a well and increase the flow. On the rare occasion that he drinks out of the water bowl, he digs at the linoleum all around the dish, invariably snagging the dish and splashing it all over the floor until the dish is dry and then he leaps up and demands I turn on the faucet.

As for coffee and animals, I used to have a parakeet that flew freely through the apartment except when there was coffee, beer, or gin and tonic in the area. Then he would perch on the edge of the cup or glass and bite anyone who tried to sip or remove him. If allwed to partake he would fall into the cup or glass, flutter frantically and when fished out by the tail, come up sputtering and swearing in two different voices and vocabularies.

Animals are so amusing.

[Zen]

Dear Karma,
Why do you hate me?
I don't kill bugs, I rescue turtles, I do the best I can. Give me a gdbreak, will ya?

[crazycanuck]

Dear Karma,

Leave zen alone ok please. She's coolo you know.

[Trek420]

What cc sed: Zen fosters doggies. Dear Karma, you owe her big time.

[bmccasland]

Dear Project Manager and Sr. PM,
Thank you for not sharing the Scope of Work for the document I was supposed to write for the other agency. Just warms the cockles of my heart to be told I did a mediocre job during a conference call this morning. Nothing quite like finding out that you idiots sat on information. I know you didn't do it to make me look bad, you aren't that smart. Hopefully while I'm enjoying Adventures in Moving this week you'll be strung up, or just thrown in the river out back, or better yet, both. :mad:

[NbyNW]

Dear Happyfundog,

Your off-leash privileges are hereby revoked. I thought between your good behavior of late and your general confusion over DST, I'd reward us both with a nice mid-day walk at the off-leash area to enjoy what little good weather we have left. (Our off-leash areas are not fenced, they are HUGE, and have lots of places to hide)

But when you run off for nearly three hours (after a one-hour walk already!) like you did today and make me worry, not to mention take up my entire afternoon looking for you when I have Things I Need to Get Done and People to Let Into the House to Take Care of Last Week's Basement Leak, I have to conclude that you no longer have the good judgment to stay by my side or at least where I can see you, like you used to do.

And I didn't have anything to eat between breakfast (9AM) and finding you (4PM) :mad:

I am glad you did not encounter a coyote or wander off into the neighborhood and get hit by a car during your afternoon of adventures.

Sincerely,
Your Beta-mom.
(Yes, I do outrank you.)

[lph]

(Yes, I do outrank you.)

:D :D

Hope you have a more peaceful day today!

[Catrin]

Dear Happyfundog,

Your off-leash privileges are hereby revoked. ...
(Yes, I do outrank you.)

LOL, what LPH said - and I am glad that your dog wasn't harmed and hope you were able to get the basement looked after.

I've never had a dog, but since I can't have a cat any longer due to strong/persistent allergies, I have considered getting a small dog. After reading things like this I am unsure my nerves could take it though, perhaps a nice set of parakeets would do instead ;)

Seriously, as much as I am not home these days due to work/riding/gym/etc. I probably don't need to have any pets at all outside of fish and they are not what one could consider interactive... Ah well.

[emily_in_nc]

Seriously, as much as I am not home these days due to work/riding/gym/etc. I probably don't need to have any pets at all outside of fish and they are not what one could consider interactive... Ah well.

Yes, a dog will suffer being alone so much of the time, so unless you're willing to do doggy day-care, I wouldn't get a dog at this time. They really do need companionship and socialization.

[Catrin]

Yes, a dog will suffer being alone so much of the time, so unless you're willing to do doggy day-care, I wouldn't get a dog at this time. They really do need companionship and socialization.

That is one of the reasons why I've never had a dog. Cats are a little different, especially if they have a playmate to keep company with when I am not home. I just love cats anyway - not that that there is anything wrong with dogs! If I were close enough to home from work that I could come home in the middle of the day I might consider a small dog, but that is just a bad idea I think.

[NbyNW]

Thanks, everyone.

Gordy is at daycare today so I get to relax a bit today. We were warned when we adopted him that he was smart, so I guess he just outsmarted me yesterday. I am going to be smarter in the future and not take him to that particular park anymore. There are adventures there that he simply cannot resist.

Catrin, you're right -- if you can't give a dog the time and energy he/she needs, the responsible thing to do is not get one! Doesn't matter what the dog's size is -- they need their routines, and they don't take holidays!

IMHO, a good doggy daycare won't take a new client unless the dog has had some basic behavior training and is already well socialized. It's not their job to teach your dog how to behave. That said, Gordy's daycare has been indispensable in reinforcing good behavior.

I'm a big fan of parakeets -- we had a few when I was growing up. Very trainable and not as high maintenance as a dog!

[Catrin]

I have thought about birds before, but in the end what I REALLY want is a cat, and I cannot have one :(

C'est la vie - I can get my feline fix at friends houses..I can be around them, just can't live with them in a small apartment. I've stayed with friends in a very large house with no carpet and was fine...but they were very clean and there wasn't a speck of dust anywhere - let alone a stray cat hair! I don't know that I would be able to replicate that :o

[indysteel]

Not a stray cat hair? What's their secret. We try to keep our two-cat household clean, but I still feel like it's covered in fur. We have kitty fur tumbleweeds. When Sophie was still alive, we called them tumblesophs.

[Catrin]

Not a stray cat hair? What's their secret. We try to keep our two-cat household clean, but I still feel like it's covered in fur. We have kitty fur tumbleweeds. When Sophie was still alive, we called them tumblesophs.

LOL at the tumblesophs :) I am looking forward to seeing your cats!

They just clean. A lot. I mean, really a lot. Also their two cats for some reason don't seem to shed quite as much as my cats always did, though it may have had something to do with sweeping the whole place twice a day...

[Owlie]

Every time I've been over there, DBF's family does a massive clean because I'm allergic to cats (and his mom's a bit of a neat freak). I've never had a problem with the resident kitty, but I kept finding cat hairs the clothes I took there.

Dear person--
You want me to tutor your daughter. A little more communication, especially about the logistics, would be nice. I don't want to find out I have to take the bus or the bike (god forbid!) at the last minute.
Me.

[Roadtrip]

Dear Manager,

A little lipstick on the Pig doesn't fix the problem.

The Pig is still there. You're causing me much work to apply a liberal amount mascara to said Pig, so while I realize it makes YOU feel better, my to-do list isn't being helped by taking this time to make you feel better.

If you could consider this the next time-- and I'm sure there will be a next time-- I'd be a much happier and productive employee.

Sincerly,
Me

[bikegurl]

Dear World,
Could people please stop being so ruled by money??!! It drives me crazy the way money is the only thing many people listen to.:mad:
Also, could people start actually caring for other people....truly caring, without ulterior motives!!??
One more thing....could the rich corporations that exploit so many people be put out of business?!?
I know its big, but if we work together we can do it...
Bikegurl

[snapdragen]

Dear race organizers. How could you run out of finisher medals before the majority of the runners/walkers finished the course? Could you not plan for this knowing how many people were registered?

And wtf is this...tearing down the course before everyone is done? How disheartening is it to be crossing the finish line while dodging people rolling up banners and barricade nets? At least the race announcer kept going, announcing every person who crossed the line.

This isn't your first time doing this, you should know better.

:(:mad:

[maillotpois]

Dear race organizers. How could you run out of finisher medals before the majority of the runners/walkers finished the course? Could you not plan for this knowing how many people were registered?

And wtf is this...tearing down the course before everyone is done? How disheartening is it to be crossing the finish line while dodging people rolling up banners and barricade nets? At least the race announcer kept going, announcing every person who crossed the line.

This isn't your first time doing this, you should know better.

:(:mad:

Yeah - uncool. :mad:

[marni]

[QUOTE=snapdragen;545109]Dear race organizers. How could you run out of finisher medals before the majority of the runners/walkers finished the course? Could you not plan for this knowing how many people were registered?

And wtf is this...tearing down the course before everyone is done? How disheartening is it to be crossing the finish line while dodging people rolling up banners and barricade nets? At least the race announcer kept going, announcing every person who crossed the line.

This isn't your first time doing this, you should know better.>

Please say this wasn't a charity ride. If it was, go to the national organization and post a comment. If it is like charity rides around here, you pay your registration, the race is organized and run by seasoned but unpaid volunteers, the Sag supplies are donated from local merchants and or members of the local organization etc etc so that the majority of the registration funds collected go to the local charity.

Everyone pays the same amount for the privilege of some sort of commemorative stuff- t shirt, luggage tag, baseball, cap, water bottle, whatever and deserves an equal chance to finish and not be metaphorically told to "get the hell out of the way, and why should we wait around for you, we've got your money."

quietly fuming on your behalf.

[bmccasland]

Dear Tech Support,
After being on the phone with you for two hours this evening, trying to get connected to the internet with my new connection... where nothing worked. Did it occur to you that it might be a hardware problem? Don't tell me it's my notebook computer, where I've been able to successfully connect in all sorts of locations for the past couple of months. Somehow I lucked onto a diagnose problem and got a connection error message, which prompted me to maybe try the modem plugged into another phone outlet. Success! Should have tried that hours ago.

I need a drink. The cats were more than patient, now they want their evening snack. Where's that drink?

TE, I'll check the rest later. I'm fed up, and needed to vent, thank you for listening.:rolleyes:

[snapdragen]

Ah hah! It appears some of the medals went missing - this was posted on the website today:
"We've found the missing medallions! If you didn't get yours on Sunday, email your name & address to *email redacted* (unless you submitted it when you finished) and we will get them in the mail to you right away!"

and this

"Our SINCERE apologies to those who didn't get their shirt or medallion! We will be tracking down the missing items and if necessary, reorder both shirts and medallions! We thank you for your patience, and will get your missing items as soon as we can."

It is a charity run -- in addition my team mates raised funds for Team in Training. It looks like the race organizers will be sending out a survey. I wonder if I'll get one, I was registered, but didn't participate.

[MomOnBike]

Dear health gods:

Was it something we said???

On the exact day my oncologist has decreed that I'm well done (DH says I should have asked for rare. . .:rolleyes:) and don't need to come back to get nuked any more, the dog's back goes out and I spend the morning and far too many dollars at the vet.

I'M SICK AND TIRED OF HEALTH PROBLEMS!!! (Did you hear me?)

Can this be the end? Please?

[malkin]

(((MoB)))

[bmccasland]

Dear Herald,
Please don't scare me by falling into a really deep sleep on my arm again. I know you'll cross the Rainbow Bridge soon, but wasn't really ready for this dry run tonight. Oh, and I didn't deserve the dirty look for waking you up either, I was just checking to be sure you were actually breathing.

[Catrin]

{{{Herald and Bmccasland}}}

Dear bosses,

I understand emergencies and you are not the drivers of this situation, and I know this will all pass in a few weeks. I am, however, getting very tired of 80 hour work weeks! I KNOW I don't HAVE to do this, but I also know if I do not do this then we will not meet the deadline, and it IS that important. I am the only one capable of the technical work, I get that. I am all about teamwork, but I really hope that we don't go through a repeat of this anytime soon. I don't feel much like a team-member at this point but more like the person at the lowest point of the pyramid :(

Thank you. Please remember all of this the next time I ask for time off :D

[Owlie]

Dear people upstairs--
I should not be able to hear EVERY WORD of your music. End of story.

Dear landlord--
Yes, I know today was unseasonably warm. That doesn't alter the fact that it is freezing in my apartment, and it's still cold at night. Ridiculously cold. Turn the frickin' heating on.

[tulip]

Dear Mr. Google,

Thanks for the big ole' smack upside the head. You probably aren't the most empathetic messenger, and you did a bang-up job letting me know that the ex is getting remarried. Yeah, you don't break that news very gracefully, do ya'? You should know that I ditched Facebook for wasting my time on stuff that does not move me forward in life. Consider yourself in the same category. It's strictly business from now on. If it's not business related, I don't need to know.

Your former friend,
tulip

ps, even though this is positive step in the grand scheme of things, it's not something I need you to help me dwell on.

[jessmarimba]

Dear person who just called me -

If you're feeling snippety, there's no need to call just to pick fights. I'm out of ice cream and I don't feel like crying right now. But I am, and you suck. So enjoy your crappy holiday that wasn't important enough for you to come visit.

[Becky]

I'm sorry, Jess :(

[channlluv]

Jess, seems like a good time for a bike ride.

Have a good holiday anyway.

Roxy

[jessmarimba]

Thanks guys. Better today. I'm noticing, though, that when my back hurts I get upset a lot more easily. I'm going to bake a pie tonight and hope that heals everything :)

[NbyNW]

Be good to yourself, jessmarimba. Physical pain + emotional pain can really have a way of magnifying each other.

I hope your pie turns out well!

[Catrin]

Jessmarimba, hope the pie comes out well and that you are feeling better tomorrow :)

[snapdragen]

Pie can make everything better. :)

[bmccasland]

Dear Neighbors that invited me over for dinner,
I wasn't sure you actually meant it, since you didn't tell me a time range to come over. So when I worked up the courage to come across the street, and knocked on the door, I heard laughing inside, but no one answered. I didn't want to bang on the door, so I went back home. Had my favorite Kashi microwave dinner, and an apple tartin from Trader Joes (well I didn't eat all of the tartin, yet).

To the world in general - if you know a single person, invite them over for a holiday meal, but tell them when, so they know you actually mean it.

I hate holidays - they only remind me that my severely disfuctional family is scattered to the 4 winds. And yes, I did choose to move here, or move again - don't ask me what I'm looking for, maybe it's a reason to stay put. Holidays are just something to get through. :(

[jessmarimba]

Aww! :( I have leftover steak, rosemary potatoes, and a couple of cats for company - I'd share if you were closer!

[OakLeaf]

(((((Beth))))) Wishing you a future of joyous holidays with your chosen community. And wish I could send you some of our way-too-much food, too. :(

[NbyNW]

Big hug to you, Beth, and to anyone else who is far away from loved ones today (family or otherwise).

[Becky]

Holidays are just something to get through. :(

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I'm sorry, Beth :(

[lph]

I'd have you over any day, Beth! You sound like an interesting and friendly person, definitely one of the ones that makes TE the place it is, that I wanted to thank yesterday :)

Virtual pie and cat company all round!

[Becky]

Dear family member-

In some ways, I'm glad that we had our discussion yesterday. It confirmed for me that you're a bitter control freak who's clinging to apparently minor transgressions that I committed years ago and who is unable to forgive or forget anything. You're a master manipulator and had me promising all sorts of changes on my part with absolutely no willingness to give or compromise on yours.

Also, for the first time in 10 years, I got to experience what it must have been like to grow up in that household. It sucked, but it's going to make me a better wife in the long run 'cuz I get it now. (DH, I'm sorry! And thank you for being my partner in all of this.)

I've never intentionally cut a family member out of my life, and I cringe every time I think of the collateral damage that's going to occur, but you may very well be the first. Congratulations on a dubious honor. (BTW, I welcome advice on how to do this.)

Sincerely,
Emotionally exhausted and shattered.

[bmccasland]

I'd have you over any day, Beth! You sound like an interesting and friendly person, definitely one of the ones that makes TE the place it is, that I wanted to thank yesterday :)

Virtual pie and cat company all round!

Don't tempt me!!! I have a passport that needs stamps in it. One of the things I've thought about was going on vacation for the holidays - hop a plane, go somewhere else. Now if I can just get someone to buy the ticket, pay the boarding for the kitties. *sigh* But I can dream.

Got out today, and did some shoping at local small shops. Got a pastry at the Danish Bakery, and had a meat pie from the Australian Pie shop.

Happy weekend to everyone! ;)

[marni]

most of what is bad in my life and memories, ie loss of dear ones two footed and four footed, life time crisises, traumatic experiences and ill health have happenend between Thanksgiving and New Years. Here's hoping that this year doesn't follow the pattern.

We've had a good Thanksgiving and are going tomorrow to meet a new rescue dog to give our FIL 's dog Beau as a companion. Here's hoping.

[Crankin]

Becky,

I am one who has cut relatives out of my life, specifically my aunt (my mom's sister), which also means I no longer see my cousins or their kids. I was very close to my aunt growing up, as she was only 16 when I was born. She and her husband lived with us for a couple of years as newlyweds. She was always contentious and opinionated, as opposed to my mom who was tolerant and kind. My family moved away when I was a teen and she became bitter over the fact that she was left to care for my grandparents. My uncle died at the young age of 52 and she has never recovered; despite all kinds of offers of help, both social and psychological, she just became more bitter and lives totally through her kids. When I moved back to the area, we saw each other a lot for awhile, but it was always at her convenience. What was once just a little neurotic is now controlling. She tried to control my mom's death, which of course, she couldn't. My cousins (2 of the 3) became, well, one became a right wing political extremist and the other became an Orthodox Jew. My opinions never counted and my aunt is brainwashed by Fox News at this point... Despite the fact, I still tried to find something in common with them, they all decided to hold grudges against me and my husband for things (stupid things) that happened ten or fifteen years ago. I quit calling my aunt about a year and a half ago. They are racist and intolerant, so different than my own parents. I feel badly she has lost the chance to see my kids as fully independent adults, but I just couldn't take it anymore.

[Becky]

Crankin, thanks for sharing your story. It's helpful to hear from those who have been there. This part of your story really resonated with me, as it's similar to what DH and I are dealing with:


My opinions never counted <snip>... Despite the fact, I still tried to find something in common with them, they all decided to hold grudges against me and my husband for things (stupid things) that happened ten or fifteen years ago.

In our case, it's an immediate family member, and maybe that's what makes this so difficult... I'm trying very hard to remember that there's a lot of people who love, like, and respect me, and that the opinions of one person aren't necessarily correct or realistic. (But dang, that's tough to do sometimes....)

I'm really anxious about what Christmas is going to be like this year, as that's the point where I need to "fish or cut bait", so to speak, and decide if I'm ready to break all contact. *sighs*

[Crankin]

Do you mean it's a sibling or parent? My family is super small, so to me, my mom's sister was pretty close. I have one brother, many years younger than me, who lives across the country from me, near my dad. The fact that I live about 12 miles from my aunt and have never run into her (I ride by her street a few times a year) amazes me. But, her world is very small.
Sometimes it's hard not to be with family on holidays, for me, especially Jewish holidays. But, we have been sharing holidays with friends for many years, and they have become our family. Of course, my kids, I think would like to continue contact with my cousins, but haven't, knowing how it would upset me.

[Becky]

Yup, that's what I mean. (Sorry, I'm being a little paranoid about what I share in the public domain...)

[Owlie]

Dear personal statement--
Why are you so hard to write? I hate writing about myself--it seems like bragging. And then I have to edit you to suit four different schools, then write another one for the fifth? I'd crawl into a hole now, but I have two weeks until the application deadline.:(:mad:

[Catrin]

Dear stomach,

I have been pampering you for two days. I took off work yesterday and left today after only 2 hours in the office...you really need to get over whatever bug is bothering you. I need to get some actual work done at the office tomorrow :rolleyes:

[Emily_A]

Dear website client,

I'm sorry I got snippy with you on the phone. I felt bad about that for the rest of the day. But I have to say...My time is as valuable as yours, and I know you were lying when you told me that you followed the written directions and that you still got an error message. It's obvious that you never even looked at them. I'm not stupid. I strongly suspect that you are, but I still shouldn't have let me tone of voice betray that suspicion. Next time I will be nothing but cool and professional...as I imagine banging my head against a wall.

Thank you.

[Cataboo]

Dear sister,

We all make amazon wishlists to make christmas presents easy, and I always put $10-$20 biking or kayaking accessories I could use on it (new handlebar tape is always good), because I don't want anyone to spend too much money on me. The fact that nothing on your wishlist is under $100 is mildly irksome, but I really don't understand why you've refused to buy me anything off my wishlist for the past 3 years now for birthdays or christmas. You buy from our brothers wishlists, so you're already buying things from amazon, if you pop something in for me it's free shipping! So instead you buy me random things that I do appreciate but don't really need or have a use for. Then you tell me "Well, I didn't understand anything on your wishlist." This morning you called me to ask "Is there anything you want for Christmas other than that bike stuff you have on your wishlist?" REALLY? WHY CAN'T YOU JUST BUY ME CHEAP BIKE STUFF?

Your ungrateful and perplexed little sister

[channlluv]

Maybe she's looking to buy you something more expensive to show you how much she loves you.

Roxy

[bmccasland]

There's more expensive bike stuff - a gift certificate to TE? Not available on Amazon, but easily obtainable.

[Cataboo]

Maybe she's looking to buy you something more expensive to show you how much she loves you.

Roxy

When she doesn't get things for me on my wishlist, she usually only gets me $20-30 things - last year it was a $30 costco softshell. Which was nice, but I sort of have a gazillion softshells already. She did spend more on my birthday.

I did put a couple $50 items on the wish list, but I know she's got a lot of medical bills for her daughter & her husband lately. So she can't afford to show me how much she loves me!

When she called this morning, I told her I wanted the patagonia nano puff pullover and would order it and she could give me some cash towards it for christmas - 'cause even at 45% off it was $82 and I didn't want to ask her to spend that much on me. She is starting to understand good outdoor gear, because I let her & my niece borrow a lot of mine last winter to go tubing and because of all the snow.

[jessmarimba]

She sounds like she feels that holidays are for acquiring "fun" stuff, not "useful" stuff. And since she doesn't understand that useful bike stuff means fun for you...she doesn't want to get it. Maybe? I'm trying to see her side!

I certainly enjoy shopping for my sister more than anyone else, since she's easy to get fun stuff for. And we don't do wishlists.

[lph]

Giftgiving can be really confusing. My MIL is so obsessed about giving the perfect gift (because otherwise "no-one will like her", you see :rolleyes:) that she almost chewed my 13 yr.old sons ear off for not having created a wishlist yet. Nevermind that it's his first year with grades at school, lots of homework and big end-of-year tests that he takes very seriously, plus he works 2 hours every day delivering the newspaper, plus we're going abroad (to JORDAN! :D ) for the christmas holidays as of tomorrow and won't even be seeing them until we get back in 2 weeks - nope, wishlists Must Be Written Before Christmas Or Else.

[channlluv]

There's more expensive bike stuff - a gift certificate to TE? Not available on Amazon, but easily obtainable.

I was thinking, Cataboo, you could ask for her to sponsor your next triathlon entry. Those are $$.

Roxy

[Owlie]

I don't know, I have a hard time buying for people who have hobbies that I don't understand. I'd rather get them a gift card for a related store (or Amazon. You can buy nearly anything on Amazon!) than try to make guesses. Granted, a wish list takes some of the guesswork out of it.

Dear former(?) favorite jeans:
You're possibly the oldest thing in my closet. Why do you still fit nearly perfectly, but have a hole in a very awkward place that is impossible to patch without it being obnoxiously visible? :(

[inkspot]

Dear Manuscript,

Why do you have to be so ridiculously hard to write? My hands hurt from taking pages and pages of notes. My head hurts from reading tons of articles to find one measly little reference. My neck hurts from hunching over my keyboard for hours each day. My brain hurts from trying to mangle all this data into a single, coherent argument. Seriously, can't you just write yourself and be done with it?

Sincerely,
Frustrated Researcher

[bmccasland]

Dear Herald,
You haven't eaten much at all these past couple of days, or drank any water either. Although you seem to be awake and alert, I'm sure you don't feel very good and I know that you aren't getting around as well as you could compared to a couple of weeks ago. Your vet called today and left her home number on my voice mail, if I should need it this weekend. :(

[kmehrzad]

I'm feeling your pain, Beth. That's a tough decision to make.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Beth & Herald))))) Thinking of you.

[Blueberry]

Oh Beth - I'm so sorry:( Hugs to you and Harold. You'll know.

[NbyNW]

Beth -- I will keep you in my thoughts this weekend, I hope Herald isn't suffering too much.

[PamNY]

Beth, I will be thinking of you and Herald.

[channlluv]

((((Beth and Herald))))

[Cataboo]

(((( Beth & Harold ))))


She sounds like she feels that holidays are for acquiring "fun" stuff, not "useful" stuff. And since she doesn't understand that useful bike stuff means fun for you...she doesn't want to get it. Maybe? I'm trying to see her side!

I certainly enjoy shopping for my sister more than anyone else, since she's easy to get fun stuff for. And we don't do wishlists.

I do put fun stuff on there! Cute bike baskets or cute grips or things that I don't really need, I'd like... but I haven't managed to put it in the budget as something I really need. Colored tires. So they're more "luxuries" vs things I actually need.

We started doing wishlists a few years back when it was becoming obvious that everyone wanted to buy each other gifts, but that we weren't spending enough time together or didn't have a sense of each other's hobbies enough to really figure out nice gifts. There were more and more gift cards and random cool things that we didn't have use for.

I'm not entirely certain my sister has hobbies, she's got ugg boots and perfumes on her wishlist. My youngest brother likes video games, computer parts, and bluray movies. My older brother has taken up hunting and likes high end cooking stuff. I'm usually happy with bike, kayak, ski, or book stuff... My niece makes one of all the toys she wants, and my brother in law makes one. My mother is always a problem. So we just keep amazon wishlists to make it simple and theoretically that means each of us can just log in, spend about 5 or 10 mins and order things in one big lot. If you have enough things on your wishlist, it's always a surprise what you get or don't and it's all stuff you'd like. I try to figure out some small item for each person that's not on their wishlist, but is more thoughful.

We've done the gift card thing before - but it is kind of nice having something actually to open christmas morning.

[snapdragen]

Dear ice cold doctor. yes, my father is probably dying, and I know he will need to be moved to a SNF then probably hospice. But you cannot tell us all this, and expect us to make a decision that very same day. Can we at least have a day or two to process what is happening? What is it, do you have kind of discharge stats you need to keep up?

[bmccasland]

Dear ice cold doctor. yes, my father is probably dying, and I know he will need to be moved to a SNF then probably hospice. But you cannot tell us all this, and expect us to make a decision that very same day. Can we at least have a day or two to process what is happening? What is it, do you have kind of discharge stats you need to keep up?

(((((Snapdragen & family)))))))
Probably pressure from insurance to move him out of the hospital. Where's the hospital social worker, who usually helps to set these things up? Like any of this is going to happen on a weekend?

[jelee1311]

{{{Beth & Herald}}}

Snapdragen I'm sorry about your father.

[snapdragen]

After I ranted and raved on the phone with the case manager, a different Doctor called me back. She explained the Medicare appeal process, and I'm going forward with that. He can stay at the hospital until at least Monday.

[kmehrzad]

Snapdragen, I'm glad you and your family now have time to consider the options. Sometimes it takes one to "make some noise" to get action.

I don't think drs. are taught much bedside manner these days. Case in point ... two yrs. ago my brother's dr. called him on his cell phone to say that he had Stage IV brain cancer. No office visit, no "are you sitting down," none of that. In fact, my brother was out running errands that day and got the news that hit him cold.

[Cataboo]

I've found that nurses are often much better at dealing with families and telling them the truth.

[OakLeaf]

Snap, I'm so sorry about your father. I hope his remaining time is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, for all of you. Hugs and prayers.

[PamNY]

Snapdragen, I'm sorry to read the sad news. I hope proper plans can be made without too much stress. +1 on social workers and nurses being really helpful in such difficult times.

[NbyNW]

Snap,

Thinking of you and your family.

[Dogmama]

Snap,
Sending prayers to you & your family. ++1 on social workers.

[Owlie]

Dear family--
ARGH!

That is all.

[Dogmama]

Dear family--
ARGH!

That is all.

The good news: Tucson is thousands of miles away. Oh, and we were 75 sunny degrees yesterday!

[emily_in_nc]

Dear Weather gods,

Ok, we're officially tired of it being so cold here in N.C., 'kay?

Just saw on the local weather last night that we're running 10 degrees below normal for December and heading for our coldest Dec. since records have been kept. And while you're at it, didn't we just have the hottest summer on record?! Getting a little tired of the extremes....

Thank you for your consideration. :o

Emily

[OakLeaf]

Dear person with no brake lights who stopped short in front of our group this morning,

It would've been nice if you'd stopped to see if I was okay after I went over my handlebars. As it turns out, I'm banged up, five stitches in my face, hands a bruised mess, but nothing else. Still, when I was lying on the ground hardly able to breathe because I'd just been punched in the sternum by my steerer tube cap, I don't think I probably looked okay.


Dear passerby who stopped and prayed for me until the squad came,

Thanks.

[spokewench]

OOOH Oakleaf - hang in there; and heal fast. Yikes, that kind of stuff is the pits:eek:

[redrhodie]

(((Oakleaf))))!!! That's awful!

[Catrin]

OMG Oakleaf, that is terrible and scary :eek: I hope that you heal fast - sending you healing thoughts and best wishes for quick healing.

[Crankin]

Heal well, Oakleaf. That really sucks, so soon after getting to your winter home.

[Dogmama]

Sending healing thoughts to you

[emily_in_nc]

Oakleaf, that blows. And at holiday time too! So sorry! :(

You didn't happen to get the azz-h*le's license tag, did you? :mad: Probably not as it sounds like you went down very hard.

Hope you heal quickly.

[Owlie]

Gentle hugs and healing vibes, Oak.

[bmccasland]

Gentle hugs to you Oakleaf.

Healing juju to you. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

[jessmarimba]

Glad you are mostly ok - heal quickly!!

[NbyNW]

Oh Oakleaf, so sorry this happened to you. Speedy healing!

[channlluv]

((((Oakleaf)))))

Yikes. I hope you heal quickly.

Not to defend their actions, but do you think maybe the driver didn't realize what they'd done? Did the riders with you shout at them to stop? Anyone get the plate?

Roxy

[jelee1311]

I'm sorry you got hurt, feel better soon. I'm glad to know someone stopped and helped you. Please take care

[OakLeaf]

Thanks all.

No license plate, but one of my riding buddies did yell at the driver. I was just trying to breathe and not real aware of much for the first few minutes... It turns out that the people who stopped actually took my friends to the hospital and they all waited until my husband got there and reported to them that I was going to be okay! There really are super good people in this world. :)

My face looks awful but the main issue is a sprained wrist. Should be fine in a couple of weeks.

[PamNY]

Oakleaf, that sounds like no fun at all. Hope you heal fast.

[channlluv]

Um...is your bike okay? Were you on the Synapse?

How is your wrist and how are the stitches today? Where did you get them? I had to have stitches in my nose from a skin cancer removal and it was horrifying, but five years out, I can hardly see the scar anymore. Maybe yours will be a good war story if nothing else.

I wonder why that person would stop short in front of you. You're not in one of those areas where the shock jocks encourage morons to abuse cyclists, are you?

Roxy

[tulip]

Dear Self,
You have made certain choices, and second guessing those choices now is not really healthy. You made the best choice at the time with the information you had. Okay, so you may have been a bit impulsive at times (a bit???), but it is what it is. You are your mother's daughter, after all, as hard as that is to swallow.

You cannot go back and do things differently. Start where you are and breathe. You are here, now, and this is what you have to work with. Let it go and be at peace.

[Owlie]

Dear self--
You'd think that you'd have learned this by now, but following orange juice with milk, hot chocolate, or even milky tea is probably not the best idea... Ugh.

Off to brush my teeth again,
Me.

[channlluv]

Dear Self,
You have made certain choices, and second guessing those choices now is not really healthy. You made the best choice at the time with the information you had. Okay, so you may have been a bit impulsive at times (a bit???), but it is what it is. You are your mother's daughter, after all, as hard as that is to swallow.

You cannot go back and do things differently. Start where you are and breathe. You are here, now, and this is what you have to work with. Let it go and be at peace.

Tulip, you're my hero. You could be writing to me.

Roxy

[Cataboo]

Dear UPS man,

You usually come at about 10 am every morning.

Today when I'm waiting for you to come so I can get out of here, it's 3 pm and you haven't visited me yet. This puts me square in the middle of rush hour, which means I can't really leave for another 4 hours or so when I'd wanted to leave at about 10 am this morning.

You suck. Even though you are bringing me a present. *dance*

[bmccasland]

Dear Chickee over the cube wall,
Please don't ever wear your new perfume in the office again. Thanks to your spritzing it I now have a low-grade migraine and had a mild asthma attack when you tested it out this morning. Oh, and a tiny dab goes a long way - it's powerful -I could smell you when you came back from lunch. :mad:

And many thanks to my group's Admin Assistant who loaned me her fan, so I could drive the air back at you. Thanks "Mom".

[kmehrzad]

Dear UPS man,

You usually come at about 10 am every morning.

Today when I'm waiting for you to come so I can get out of here, it's 3 pm and you haven't visited me yet. This puts me square in the middle of rush hour, which means I can't really leave for another 4 hours or so when I'd wanted to leave at about 10 am this morning.

You suck. Even though you are bringing me a present. *dance*

I'm sorry you've had to wait. I hope it's worth it.

[Cataboo]

I'm sorry you've had to wait. I hope it's worth it.

I am amusing myself by looking outside for a package every 30 mins.

Apparently, much like a watched pot, a watched UPS man never comes.

[Cataboo]

I am amusing myself by looking outside for a package every 30 mins.

Apparently, much like a watched pot, a watched UPS man never comes.


Woohoo! My cycling sister got me a road morph pump 'cause my real sister can't buy me cycling stuff!

[channlluv]

I just want to say again, you ladies crack me up. I love this board.

Roxy

[OakLeaf]

Um...is your bike okay? Were you on the Synapse?

How is your wrist and how are the stitches today? Where did you get them? I had to have stitches in my nose from a skin cancer removal and it was horrifying, but five years out, I can hardly see the scar anymore. Maybe yours will be a good war story if nothing else.

I wonder why that person would stop short in front of you. You're not in one of those areas where the shock jocks encourage morons to abuse cyclists, are you?

Roxy

Thanks for asking.

I visited my bike at the shop today. :) With the Christmas rush, they hadn't had a chance to really check the frame and fork out, but I'm sure it's fine. It looks fine, just the handlebars are tweaked out of position in the stem a little bit. I don't think it really hit the ground at all. Neither did my brand new helmet, which was a big surprise to me. The noise of something scraping against the ground, which at the time I thought was my helmet, was apparently just my $8 sunglasses. Even my gloves are undamaged. I managed to save everything with my face. :p

Two stitches in my upper lip, three in the chin. The doctor said he didn't expect a scar on my lip - which was a fairly clean split - but my chin probably will scar because there was some skin missing. That was probably your situation. Mine's on the bottom of my chin and shouldn't be very noticeable once it heals. The roadrash on my chin might leave a more noticeable scar...

Hand and wrist are pretty sore, but they'll heal sooner than later. Same with my chest/upper abdomen, which is much sorer than I thought now that I'm up walking around. It was fine for lying on the couch all day yesterday :rolleyes: but what I didn't think about is that that's where all the abdominal muscles attach to the sternum, so the more shopping I did, the more it hurt. Not awful, just enough.

I doubt the driver did it intentionally - just not paying attention. Anyway I'm well aware of how much worse it could've been, and it's all good. :)

[Cataboo]

Take care of yourself Oakleaf - vitamin e oil helps to prevent scarring.

I am glad your bike is mostly okay.

[Crankin]

Dear Stupid People,
This is for the geniuses at my almost D-I-L's workplace, who when she told them she was getting married this weekend, decided it was good to inform her how a "real" wedding should be.
Geez, when did the wedding become more important than the marriage? This is the exact reason they decided not to go the traditional route. Even when they were told that they were going to have a party in the spring, she still got advice.
No wonder half the people in this country get divorced, if this where the emphasis is.