Thread Drift

[chickwhorips]

that is weird. hmmm...

btw nanci i love dillbird's little carrier.

[DrBee]

I like the carrier Nanci! Dillbird looks very happy :)

Way to go CWR! Very cool!

Snap - are you still giddy?


Our neighbors cut part of our grass today. Is that a bad sign? It wasn't that bad. They mow their grass at least 2x per week. We mow once per week, usually. They said they were out there mowing and wanted to know if we minded if they cut the side yard. Wierd. I dislike suburbia - especially when it's in the middle of nowhere. Nanci, I think you have the right idea where you live.

This was wierd, but not as wierd as the guy Nanci rode with. That has to be so strange for him. I still can't remember falling in my little crash. I can't imagine not remembering the whole thing. Yeesh.

[Nanci]

The hunger strike is over. Maizey ate a pre-killed fresh mouse tonight. I left it sitting in its paper bag on top of her viv for five hours first. So she could smell it and get in the mood. I gave her a kiss for eating it.

I wonder about the soldier who carried that pigeon carrier. WWII. Swiss Army. Whose side were they on, anyway?? Over sixty years ago. How strange.

I had a 2.5 hour nap today, in which I dreamed about catching all kinds of cool cornsnakes, until someone's car stereo out on the road woke me up. That's gotta be 500 feet away!! I'm still tired. I did a 35 mile really hilly ride, and raced the last 6 miles. And had sucky spaghetti with oil and tomatoes.

And then, was looking forward to this bottle of Viognier that I'd been saving for a nice day, and it didn't smell the same, and didn't taste the same, and it turned out it was 2005, not the award-winning 2003...

Whoever invented au gratin potatoes was a genius, that's all I can say. Mmm, butter...

[Nanci]

Fish, sometimes I cut some of either neighbor's grass if I'm having a good grass-cutting day. I don't think it means anything, other than they want to save you some work. I used to live by a guy that snow-blowed the whole block. And my ex DH would plow everyone's driveway.

Still undecided on the Zero X. I think I will keep it, in the museum of saddles that didn't quite work out. Maybe I will take it to Six Gap, where I plan to ride Three Gaps, based on how much I am hating hills. That will give it a tough 50 mile ride.

Today, while I was riding, I was thinking, you know how there's that rule for move your saddle up if you have X knee pain, and down if you have Y knee pain- there ought to be rules like, if you move your saddle forward, does it make you put more or less weight on your hands? If you tip your saddle up or down, does it put more or less pressure on your sit bones?

The Vitesse, it doesn't seem that picky. I can put her right back on the bike, and ballpark the setting, and I'm good to go. With the experimental saddles, it's like I'm always trying to dial them in, to make them more perfect. Or at least bearable.

Tried the Ben and Jerry's Milkshakes yesterday- Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey. Not worth the extra calories, and had a 10:1 carb:proteim ratio. Not a suitable after biking treat. But someone had to do it...Too rich.

[Veronica]

I got my motorcycle helmet and gloves today.

Now we get to practice riding two up in the parking lot. :cool:

V.

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "What soy milk do you use? I can't seem to find one that won't curdle in my coffee. Rice milk works ok, but it doesn't taste so nice."

Nothing fancy, Trader Joes unsweetend Organic, sometimes I go for chocolate or vanilla, never had a problem. What coffee do you use?

The ride today was good I think 50 sumthin miles (my computer did not work).

We started with 6 riders two took a detour, then another left at Walnut Creek and it ended up with 3. We are all about the same pace. What a difference a road bike makes. We stopped at Peets, and at Whole Pacycheck (Whole Foods), nice weather, nice folks, real good food and coffee...

We sang made up country music songs about the gal we saw riding on a flat tire (of all the possible expananations we decided that her GF ditched her for some hussey on a Huffy so she's off to ride said GF's fancy carbon rims and fancy FS mountain bike into dust.

Probably not true but makes a great CW song ;-) She looked very mad and determined so maybe.

[chickwhorips]

nanci very happy to hear that the hunger strike is over. what a relief!

[Trek420]

So Maisey won the strike? Hope she was on strike for work peace, or better snake'y pay and benefits.

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "Might wanna hold off on the legs and eyes crossed, Trek. That's not gonna help you find the next DPITA...;) Or, it could, but that'd be the wrong kind of DPITA."

I'll keep 'em crossed till I find the right one, how's that? :rolleyes: ;)

[betagirl]

I'm watching the Emmys, and Barry Manilow beat out Stephen Colbert for best performance in a variety show. :eek:

While that's completely asinine, I can't wait to see what he does with that on his show :D

[salsabike]

The hunger strike is over. Maizey ate a pre-killed fresh mouse tonight. ...

Maizey ate! Hurray.

[snapdragen]

Barry Manilow has a variety show?:eek:

One more good reason why I rarely watch award shows...

[betagirl]

Yeah I never watch this bunk. But I wanted to see the dynamic between stewart and colbert since they were competing for the same categories. Colbert was nomitated for 1 more, which was the performance. I guess he's no Barry Manilow though....

[mimitabby]

well, yesterday DH had to make blackberry pies for a picnic,
and there was just enough left over for breakfast this morning.
So he went off on a 50 mile ride today and i said i'd do dinner.
well, as typically, he came home with all sorts of ideas and made two
great salads and so i was going to do the fish and the potatoes. then
younger son and his gf came home both of them with their teeshirts filled
with MORE BLACKBERRIES(teeshirts a mess too!).
so right in the middle of making dinner, DH made two more pies and young son made the fish on the barbeque. and i made my typical roasted potato slices with rosemary and other
spices...
So we are all full of dinner and the whole house smells like hot blackberry
pie, life
is good.

That pigeon house is the cutest thing! does Dilly like it in there?
Are we all going to send Snap pink stuff now?

[snapdragen]

Send Snap Blackberry Pie!!!!!!!!

[Lise]

Others have said it, but now I've experienced it: Six pages of thread drift to catch up on! WHEW! :p

Lessee, and I'm sure I'll miss some...

Queen--welcome back to the Land O' Lincoln. I'm glad you gave AZ a shot, and I'm glad you had a way to leave when it wasn't working.

Nanci--Maisey ate! YAY!

Fish--I would've had a very hard time not getting physical with those kids who were stomping on fishjr. Good job just getting loud. And I'm glad she was crowned Princess of the Bathtub!

Snap--yikes.

Knotted--GOOD FOR YOU! That job sitch. you're in stinks. I'm glad you took action. It will probably make you feel a lot better when you are at your current job, too, knowing there are options out there.

I had a very nice weekend in Wisconsin. My friend's "summer house" turns out to be the main house on a farm once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright's uncle. Frank spent his summers in that house as a boy. His main home and workshop complex, Taliesen, is across the road. "Summer house" indeed! It wasn't fancy, but a nice and comfortable place to be. My friend is a midwife with whom I went to school. We've worked together on two jobs now. She also invited an old friend of hers, an interesting an fun woman. We had a great weekend of just poking around art galleries and thrift shops, eating good food, and learning Frank Lloyd Wright gossip. I went for a 3 mile run Sat, but it was so humid that I felt I was nearly breathing underwater. Walked/ran/w/r, etc. I still don't feel recovered from the tri last weekend. It was good to just sleep in and hang out. Best of all: No cell phone reception! :D

I'm off to work, hoping for a quiet (or quiet-ish) night.

[mimitabby]

Send Snap Blackberry Pie!!!!!!!!
Snap,
do you want it in a baggie or a box?

:D

[snapdragen]

Box might be tidier.......;)

[Lise]

Which ever shipping method works for snap would work just fine for shipping to Illinois, too! ;)

Oh, yeah, and beta--Colbert vs. Manilow? And Manilow won? :eek: Have we slipped through a rend in the fabric of time and space and found ourselves in an alternate universe? O! How I wish I got Comedy Central! This will make for some good Colbert Report!

[jobob]

the new snap.................

OMG, snap has been abducted by freakishly perky disney creatures. :eek:

Who are you, and what have you done with my friend snap ?!?!?!

and can I have her chocolate if you don't want it? :D

[chickwhorips]

Best of all: No cell phone reception! :D

you should be here. no cell phone reception for many many many hundreds of miles. life is good.

had a guy ask last night if we had cell phone reception here. everyone just laughed at him. poor guy. at least no one told him to go outside stand in a certain spot in a certain way and then laugh at him.

[Lise]

you should be here. no cell phone reception for many many many hundreds of miles. life is good.

had a guy ask last night if we had cell phone reception here. everyone just laughed at him. poor guy. at least no one told him to go outside stand in a certain spot in a certain way and then laugh at him.
I really loved it for about 24 hours. Then I started worrying about something happening to my mom...etc. I got over it. But I forgot to turn the phone off, so it kept searching for a signal, and wore out the battery! Poor phone. Useless and ... really useless!

[snapdragen]

Have not fear, I'm sure all this good will and perkiness will disappear the minute I set foot in my office. :o

There is a reason this hangs in the window of my computer room.....

[Kitsune06]

Yeah. This is my desktop on the work computer.
http://images.despair.com/products/demotivators/apathy.jpg
Oh, they laughed at first...
then they started to understand.

[crazycanuck]

Good morning to you ladies in north america...I hope your monday is a hunky dory one.

Well, i have my/our times for the 6hr & well....i'm rather slow...mtb slugette :D (if you really want to see each rider's times...http://perthmtb.com/html/6hr2006.htm)
Mine: I did 3 laps 0:50:15, 0:54:04, 0:58:20....My second lap would have been a bit faster had my bike seat not decided to move down & me having to stop to tighten it.In addition, i neeed to let people pass & chose to stop to let them by-i know there are folks out there that are in the event to win & would hate to slow them down ya know what i mean?...The third lap ummm no clue....the P & J sandwiches were just starting to work...

De deo deo do de do..Have a good day kids.

:)

c

[betagirl]

Morning to you. It's a fine....rainy day here in Chicago. I was going to swim in the lake today, but that's proabably not going to happen. I need to find an indoor pool, otherwise I'm going to be wraught with excuses not to swim.

Now, do I commute in like a true bike commuter or take the subway.....

[crazycanuck]

Beta-your bike is calling you...it's saying "if you don't take me today you'll feel really guilty" :D

Off to bed kids...good night

c

[betagirl]

ugh....ok ok.....

I've ridden in worse I suppose :)

[maillotpois]

I got my motorcycle helmet and gloves today.

Now we get to practice riding two up in the parking lot. :cool:

V.


Fun! We've done a lot of rides together and it is really fun. It's like cycling but you go much faster, especially uphill!

[snapdragen]

Old snap is back.

May I please lob a couple of bombs at the management team?

[DrBee]

It's good to have you back snap!


This is tough - waiting on the official call about the job. There's all sorts of second guessing going on in my mind today. Aargh! Positive thinking. Positive thinking. All will be well - right?

[chickwhorips]

snap welcome back. glad that your you again.

fish don't worry. good thoughts coming at you from me. everything is going to be fine. just relax.

[Lise]

This is tough - waiting on the official call about the job. There's all sorts of second guessing going on in my mind today. Aargh! Positive thinking. Positive thinking. All will be well - right?
Fish--at the very least, you've done all that you can do. Now relax and enjoy...whatever. You've done your best, and there's nothing else for you to do at this point. You could research triathlons in the BR area! Hang in there. We're all pulling for you. L.

[Brina]

What soy milk do you use? I can't seem to find one that won't curdle in my coffee. Rice milk works ok, but it doesn't taste so nice.

I need to find a good soymilk, cuz I gotta have something in my coffee.

have you ever tried almond milk? it is much tastier than rice milk. hhmm, that doesn't really say much, does it. it is actually quite tasty, and I am not a non-milk milk drinker.

[Lise]

I posted a couple of pix from PPT up in Race Reports.

I have never tried Almond Milk. I love low fat, low sugar Soy milk (Silk Unsweetened is my favorite). Going to check out Trader Joe's after I sleep this afternoon.

OK! OK! I'm going to bed now! :p

[mimitabby]

I posted a couple of pix from PPT up in Race Reports.

I have never tried Almond Milk. I love low fat, low sugar Soy milk (Silk Unsweetened is my favorite). Going to check out Trader Joe's after I sleep this afternoon.

OK! OK! I'm going to bed now! :p

almond milk with bitter almond is to die for! a Southern Italian treat!

[DrBee]

Thanks CWR and Lise! There ARE a bunch of tri's in BR! Very cool (or hot - as the case may be). My coworkers are already claiming my stuff. Two of them are trying to claim my office and one has already claimed my computer. Who knew I had such desirable stuff?! And - they've already discussed who will get my technician. Yikes! I wonder what will happen when I actually get the offer? Good Lord!

[chickwhorips]

mass chaos fish. always happens in the gov't no matter what.

[chickwhorips]

speaking of mass chaos in the gov't. the stress level in my office has gone through the roof. we start eider (sea duck) banding this week and everyone is going crazy. there is so much more we have to do with the whole avian infuleza thing, testing and safety and bla bla bla. ok so it isn't bla bla bla its important stuff my my mind shut down in the meeting.

though my great easdropping skills just came in handy. they are going through who is going to do what during the actual drives and i get put on the hard jobs that need a light weight person. as one said in the meeting "shes light weight but strong as an ox." awe... i'm loved in my office. then they shut the door, so who knows what else they said about me. :eek:

[Nanci]

I would like to order a blackberry pie...

[mimitabby]

my sons ate it all! they ate two pies last night. The one son's girlfriend had two large pieces herself. I am wondering why they are eating so much. (do they skip meals before they get to my house?)

I was thinking of going out and picking more berries today but DH won't have time until wednesday to make another pie.

on a more boring note, i am at work and it IS boring.

[Lise]

CWR--I love it! "Lightweight but strong as an ox!" That's great! :D

Mimi--they want to be close to you...so they eat all your food. How's that for an explanation? :rolleyes: Tell them to knock it off, though, as your internet business is exploding, and those pies need to go out in the mail.

fish--if they start competing for your clothes, I'd be getting nervous. The technician's bad enough.

It's raining here. I just got up, slept about three hours. Planned to get in a run today, but it's either run in the chilly rain outside, or run on the treadmill with everybody else getting off work and going to the Y...so I'm going to do Eric Harr's strength training routine at home, instead. My favorite Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week has a 40 minute routine that can be done at home or in the gym. I had let that slip in my quest for more miles, more miles in training. A rainy evening is a good time to get back in balance with the core/strength stuff.

[maillotpois]

Fish - I just think of that Tom Petty song when I think about your job thing" "The waiting is the hardest part...."

I am in the world's most dull deposition (waiting for my chance to ask some questions. Yawn.) At least it is in my office, and I have my wireless. And my diet pepsi.

Running/walking hurts by the way!! I am officially training for this silly marathon and did a 15 miler Saturday (in 3 hours - I was pleased, since I do mostly walk). That was my first official training run/walk - nothing like baptism by fire. Then we did a 10k trail run yesterday. I could not believe the amount of vertical. It was almost like a scramble at times. Did that in 1 1/2 hours, again not too bad. My friend would have finished faster (she will ALWAYS climb faster than me apparently, bike or running).

But my legs feel more sore than after ANY double I ever did - or even the 600k. After the 15 miler, I got into the car and almost cried because it hurt so much. (The thought of the Sharffenberger factory was the only thing that got me home.)

It's not like anything is INJURED (believe me, I have run 3 marathons and I know injury.) It's just soreness from my muscles not really being used to this yet. It will get better.

[mimitabby]

Mimi--they want to be close to you...so they eat all your food. How's that for an explanation? :rolleyes: Tell them to knock it off, though, as your internet business is exploding, and those pies need to go out in the mail.
.

my husband is tired of the closeness! one of them is threatening to REALLY move out! that leaves my 27 year old duckling. Anyone looking for a cute boyfriend with no job and no car and two bikes? He's really good on the french horn. Photos on request!

[Nanci]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=78062&postcount=386

[maillotpois]

I forgot that picture, Nanci - great!! Now I want some blackberry pie...

[Nanci]

It's raining here, too. And Tropical Storm Ernesto is scheduled to pay a visit on Wednesday!!

http://tinyurl.com/kjklr

[mimitabby]

nanci,
that's kind of what my sons looked like last night ! amazing resemblance!

[maillotpois]

Yesterday our cat had a slug on his back. It's a perfect metaphor for his life. He is so fat and slow that a slug can climb up on him. He had slug slime trails all over his fur.

Duh!! :rolleyes:

[Nanci]

That's scary- they must have mistaken him for rotting vegetation! I need to get a picture of Fagalo and his slugs, but I'm sure that violates his policy of I can never look at him or he has to run away...

[Lise]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=78062&postcount=386
I knew it had to be that picture! :p

[DrBee]

I want blackberry pie, too! And the image of slug slime trails all over the back of a fat cat is hilarious. And ... uh...

da da da daaaaaaaa...... drumroll...... (sorry about the "..." Nanci - I can't help it today)

It's unofficial! I got the job! I will get official notification in the next week or so which will come from the personnel office (gov't stuff). I talked with my future boss today. Wahoo! Yippee! We will celebrate in SF!

Now the craziness really begins!

[maillotpois]

Oh YAY Fish!!!

[bikerz]

Fan-TAS-tic! Yahoo!

[Lise]

WAHOO!
YAY Fishdr! Or should we be calling you Beedr now? (hmmm, that looks a little strange.) Beedoc? Beetlejuice? What? Anyhoo!!! Congratulations! Let the party begin! :D L.

[snapdragen]

Excellent FishDr soon to be BeeDr!

[chickwhorips]

congrats fishdr aka beegirl! http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i295/fairie1323/yahoo.gif

[Kitsune06]

WooWoo! Team Transition is picking up! Way to go Fishdr/Beegirl!

[chickwhorips]

in all this excitement. i'm suddenly craving pie. :eek:

[DrBee]

Thanks everyone! I've been sitting here searching for houses - lots of fun!

I guess I will have to come up with a new name, won't I? Hmmm.... I'm not going for beegirl. BeeDr, BeeDoc, hmmm we'll have to see. MWBR ;)

I'm giddy - I'll admit it! Tomorrow I get to make an equipment wish list. I love to shop with other people's money! And hey Nanci - now I get to buy myself the Sugoi RS Flex shorts! Finally!!!!!!

[betagirl]

WOOHOO Fish! Congrats!


It's raining here.

Uhhh...yeah. The commute was FANtastic today. Remember when we all met up for lunch Lise, and how drenched I looked. Yeah. I really enjoyed putting on the wet socks to ride home. But I'm here, going to have a nice cup of green tea and some dinner. I was a good, non-fair-weather commuter today. Enjoying a rerun of the Daily Show/Colbert. Then off to snoozeland.

That pie would be a nice dessert. :D

[Lise]

Uhhh...yeah. The commute was FANtastic today. Remember when we all met up for lunch Lise, and how drenched I looked. Yeah. I really enjoyed putting on the wet socks to ride home.
Oh, beta. I am so sorry you were out in that today. The first really chilly rain of the season. Didn't look too windy, just unrelentingly wet. Maybe a clean pair of socks in a ziplock bag in the Timbuk2 from now on, what say you? Wet socks SUCK. Rest up.

[Brina]

oh, beta, you are a brave woman. I am more than content to be a fair weather cyclist.

fish, so cool. congrats. what are we going to call fishjr and fishstick now?

[bikerz]

I'm giddy - I'll admit it! Tomorrow I get to make an equipment wish list. I love to shop with other people's money! And hey Nanci - now I get to buy myself the Sugoi RS Flex shorts! Finally!!!!!!

Hey - Hang on a minute - that's OUR money isn't it? Don't you work for the feds? ;) :D

Although, maybe more federal dollars spent on cycling clothes would be a good thing, in the long run, instead of implements of destruction and what-not...

[winddance]

Spent the weekend in Sonoma drinking lots and lots of wine. Mmm...restocked wine cabinet.

[Kitsune06]

NOOO! Just was informed that we're all changing schedules after the 'new guy' decided he'd had it and went for a lower paying job just to get out of here.
Long story short, I'm back to 44 hr weeks here, 52 combined with the other job. Makes me really wish I liked either of them.

B*tchcakes! SAVE me!

Ok... I'm being a hill slug on Team Transition. Time to really work (more?) on getting my resume and butt out there. Got one call back. I need to set up an interview...

[snapdragen]

Go Kit Go! Go Kit Go! Go Kit Go! Go Kit Go! Go Kit Go! :D

[winddance]

Do it! Looking for jobs might be a huge pain in the rear end, but it's worth the stress just to feel how you will when you realize you never, ever have to go back to the place that made you so miserable.

[chickwhorips]

kit you just might have to move to BFE to find a good job. i moved to BFE and found TWO good jobs.

on that note, i would like to thank all of you for paying your taxes so that i could buy bike stuff. :D

[KnottedYet]

Congratulations FishyBee!!! (Be Fishy?)

Have fun shopping! (I want an electron microscope and a centrifuge and a microtome and...)

So, will you get lots of free honey?

It would taste mighty good on blackberry pie!

[Kitsune06]

Um... I'm relatively close to BFE, but not as close as you are. ;)

Anyway, I got an email today for an interview tomorrow- I've got to reschedule it because I have work. If I can't reschedule... gosh, I'm feeling sorta sick. ;)

AAAAH!!! EEEEK! I don't have a thing to wear! AAAH!EEEK! My hair! My spikes! EEEK!!!

[chickwhorips]

So, will you get lots of free honey?

oh oh! i need some honey!

[Lise]

~cough, cough~ Is that you, Kit? I think you should take tomorrow off! Wash the hair, blow dry it down, and go for the interview. Or are the spikes actually bits of metal sticking out of your person? Well, those can be temporarily toned down, too. Good luck.

I am so glad to know my tax dollars go to support you alls' bike habits. And here I thought I was raining destruction on Bagdad and New Orleans. I feel better.

[Kitsune06]

the spikes...
when I wear my hair down, it's so fine and mousy and short that it looks... er... I mean it makes me look... um.

*whispers*I look like a little boy.
I'll probably ask DGF for her advice, then totally disregard it, as usual. :rolleyes:

The 1/2 inch plugs have 1/2 inch flesh-toned silicone plugs that fit in them nicely and discreetly. Tongue pierce will be removed, septum flipped up, and because this isn't that sort of job, they won't see any of the other ones!

now I've gotta go research my interviewing info. *panic!*

[KnottedYet]

Easy kit, easy. You'll look lovely. Will you wear spikes if you get the job? Like, every day? Then, wear spikes to the interview.

(not, I repeat, NOT a baseball cap!)

So, I take it you cut off yer nun's hair? I've still got mine. See? No, you can't, cuz my awkward nun hair is HIDDEN!!! Moo-heheh!

http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=12820&PWD=&ID=26029075&FROM=photos&BIB=307

Actually, it looks like I'm searching the water for my missing boobs.
And the hot pink is sooooo fetching, dontcha think?

And here's Commutermobile and I, having a lovely time. I seem to have located my boobs again, and the wind located it's way up my skirt.

http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=12820&PWD=&ID=26013711&FROM=photos&BIB=307

[chickwhorips]

ok don't know what kind of adivce GF would give you but when my hair was short, and i mean whoa man short, this is what i would do:

part it off to the side about and inch and put a bobby pin or a cute little barrett (i know not tough girl here, but hear me out. we're going to get you a good job) on the side that has more hair. so if you part it on the left, pin it on the right. follow me here? then take some gel and scrunch the back of your hair so that it has texture but not super spikey. or blowdry it to give it some body. kinda like the picture but add a little pin to it.

[chickwhorips]

knotted you crack me up.

[Kitsune06]

Knotted- Yeah, the red spikes are back, but the red's mostly grown out, so I'm going to re-henna it again. The spikes are sorta growing out, so I can get away with what Chick is suggesting, if I'm determined. Not enough for a bobby pin, but if I get it while it's wet, it *should* stay that way.
Those pics are nice- I <3 your biceps. :D Sadly, though, no amount of searching anywhere is going to find my missing boobs. ;)

Chick- Thanks for the help. That's actually probably what DGF is going to do to me, if I don't do it to myself. I'd wear the spikes to the interview, but I'm afraid to breathe or sneeze wrong.

[winddance]

Ahh...the drama of "hire me hair". ;) not that I have any experience with this...who, me??

[Kitsune06]

Take note: this is the ONE thing in life that will have me looking at my wardrobe and saying those words I tease DGF about SO much:
"I don't have anything to wear!!!"

[chickwhorips]

gel will be your bestfriend in that hairstyle. trust me.

you'll find something to wear. i'm sure of it. and you'll knock some socks off!

[crazycanuck]

Fish dear-congrats \0/ \0/

(that's supposed to be me happy...^ )

------@
-------@
some roses for you

Kit-good luck kiddo...I agree with Lise...tell the boss your dr thinks you have some strange illness(grlbikerswithfunkyhairinwashington-say that quickly and you could shorten it to frighten them) and needs to do some tests...
/////\\\\\\
0 0
<
~
0
(kit happy)

(I'm not an artist and it will take me forever to download more smileys so let's make do with these)

So did ya have a funky day kids??? Tell the crazy one...

c

[betagirl]

I sneezed this morning and something popped in my upper back. Made me freeze for a minute until things calmed down. Now it's just a little sore.

I never have back problems. Does this mean I'm getting old? :D

I just slept funny.....that must be it.

[DrBee]

Yes - I get lots of honey.

Yes - I am spending your money (indirectly) but on equipment to help make bees more disease resistant. And, uh, bike clothes - well that comes from the salary which also indirectly comes from you, but it IS money well spent. ;)

I was thinking this morning about what I'll call the kids here. Pupae just isn't going to cut it.

Beta - wet socks do not sound like fun!

CC - thanks for the roses! :)

Kit - I totally agree that you need to call in sick and go to that interview! Good luck with the interview hair. That is always a challenge.

Now - I get to shop :) This is going to be a fun day!

Later ladies!

[DrBee]

I sneezed this morning and something popped in my upper back. Made me freeze for a minute until things calmed down. Now it's just a little sore.

I never have back problems. Does this mean I'm getting old? :D

I just slept funny.....that must be it.

Age... fun, isn't it?

[crazycanuck]

Beta...you're not getting old....:) I'm sure as you mentioned, it's probably just from sleeping funny...

Are you off to work dear? How long is your commute? How are the squirrels??? I'd send you cool things to hear in the morning like a kookabura but not sure how to catch one...

I feel so lonely when i come here at night...you ladies are asleep...

Oh...excitement...spring is closer...it's light at 530pm!!!!! It's getting a bit warmer...it was 20+ today...cool...

NOt so cool is the thought of commuting home in 30c...(new post idea for the commuting section)

I had a freaky moment today with a rather large crow sitting on a bike ramp railing I was walking up on my way to work..He was cawwwing right beside me & we both looked at eachother and caught eyes...weird....I think you had to be there...

I'm off to bed, good night ladies and have a great day.

c:)

[betagirl]

Beta...you're not getting old.... I'm sure as you mentioned, it's probably just from sleeping funny...

Are you off to work dear? How long is your commute? How are the squirrels??? I'd send you cool things to hear in the morning like a kookabura but not sure how to catch one...

Thanks :D I'm not commuting today. I have odd hours since I'm in grad school. My commute is 10 miles each way, takes me about 40 minutes or so depending on the timing of the lights. The squirrels are good. There's one that likes to eat from my bird feeder and runs down the fence toward our back gate when I come in from my ride home. Scares the sh*t out of me.

I went to Australia when I was in 8th grade (1989). I remember the sounds of the kookabura. I'm currently watching my cat get all worked up about some sparrow's on the neighbor's roof. The houses here are pretty close together, so he's totally freaking out. Wonder what he'd do if a kookabura was out there.

[margo49]

I went to Australia when I was in 8th grade (1989). I remember the sounds of the kookabura. I'm currently watching my cat get all worked up about some sparrow's on the neighbor's roof. The houses here are pretty close together, so he's totally freaking out. Wonder what he'd do if a kookabura was out there.

Kookaburra seets een the ol' gum tree-ee...

come on girls from Down Unduh - join in

Merry merry keeng of the bush eez he-ee
Larf kookaburra, larf kookaburra

come on - where are yuz? Do I have to sing solo?


(Nice of me to use the "original language " ie Australian pronunciation innit?)

[SadieKate]

da da da daaaaaaaa...... drumroll...... (sorry about the "..." Nanci - I can't help it today)

It's unofficial! I got the job! I will get official notification in the next week or so which will come from the personnel office (gov't stuff). I talked with my future boss today. Wahoo! Yippee! We will celebrate in SF! I missed this! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Bees - we sure do have a love/hate relationship with them, don't we? Keep those little pollinators chugging along for us, OK?

[mimitabby]

Well, I have to change the offer I made of my first born son a few pages back.
He now has a job (parttime) with the Tacoma Symphony as 3rd horn (that's his favorite part, the bass) so he is no longer unemployed. So perhaps he is now a better catch? please send detailed resumes to me.. hey, he's even thinking of buying a car!!


Congrats fishddr on the job, please NO MORE KILLER BEES. I think you guys just have to teach the italian honeybees how to wash better..

and Kitsune, good luck on the job interview. I hope the interviewer is younger than me because most people my age get their eyes crossed when we see piercings (and we can see those "flesh colored inserts" in the ears.)
Fact of the matter is, unless they are an idiot, your resume and presence should speak for itself.


Beta, about that back, you need to get back to your CORE exercises; but hopefully a good night will fix it. The same has happened to me.

Today was the first wet-ish commute we've had.
It is so strange hearing from our crazycanuck about the days getting lighter, while today I was spooked because it was so dark when i was getting ready to leave the house for work. I have a great light on my forehead (on my helmet) but the darn thing isn't strong enough to show me the small stones
on the road and other hidden hazards.

[chickwhorips]

Kookaburra seets een the ol' gum tree-ee...

come on girls from Down Unduh - join in

Merry merry keeng of the bush eez he-ee
Larf kookaburra, larf kookaburra

come on - where are yuz? Do I have to sing solo?


(Nice of me to use the "original language " ie Australian pronunciation innit?)

i know that song! my stepmom had an australian theme that she teaches her 1st and 2nd graders all about austraila. thats one of the songs she teaches them. now i'm going to have that song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

[mimitabby]

yeah, we learned that in school too, several decades ago.
It made Australia sound so romantic.

[Nanci]

There's a post up in Open, called We Need Your Help, about somebody's kid that wants to win a contest for receiving the most postcards. If you're interested in helping.

Nanci

[mimitabby]

There's a post up in Open, called We Need Your Help, about somebody's kid that wants to win a contest for receiving the most postcards. If you're interested in helping.

Nanci
yeah, i saw it. i'm going to go home and see if i can find the seattle one i've been saving.

[betagirl]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/ASSMAN420/ru.jpg

:D

[Lise]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/ASSMAN420/ru.jpg

:D
Good Lord. :eek: as it were. Is this another of your little psychological assessment tools, beta? Like the freaky monkey children on bikes movie? Hmmmm, I notice that you *are* back in school....:cool:

[DrBee]

I had put those freaky monkey kids out of my mind. Thanks so much Lise for bringing them back. Really.

[chickwhorips]

i'm sorry but i have to ask..... freaky monkey kids?

[mimitabby]

oh no, you asked....

[Lise]

I had put those freaky monkey kids out of my mind. Thanks so much Lise for bringing them back. Really.
Noooo, fish, think sooothing thoughts of electron microscopes and sexy beekeeper outfits...you want to shop...shopping....

[Lise]

i'm sorry but i have to ask..... freaky monkey kids?
I'm sorry, CWR, but you *did* ask. Your mistake. Now you must watch the following educational film. All of it. No bathroom breaks.

Everybody else, cover your ears, look away, and hum "The Girl From Ipanema".

Here you go: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=7211&highlight=monkey

PS: It's all beta's fault. :p

[chickwhorips]

i can't watch it here at work, so i'll look at it when i get home and make sure that i go to the bathroom first.

[betagirl]

I blame the internet :D

[Bruno28]

:eek: :eek: :eek:
Some of us have got to go to sleep now...yes right now!!!! How can I rid my mind of the horrible pictures.

[snapdragen]

Even with all my debauchery last week, I lost a pound. Woot! I feel thinner already......:rolleyes:

Nobody helped me in my Rolling Stones panic thread. Just as well, I've talked myself into going to Las Vegas to see them. I promised a friend of mine I'd get us tickets while she has fun at Burning Man.

[chickwhorips]

go snap!

i looked at your rolling stones thread, but i didn't have any advice to give. sorry.

[DirtDiva]

Dirtdiva,

Are you back in the UK or in NZ visiting? How is/was your trip? I missed you dear...so nice to see you again.

MAF is pretty ******** serious about the fine...some famous model was fined the $200 and couldn't get out of it...haha freak!

This reminds me of the show on tv here "Border Security"...interesting what folks try to do at customs....

:)

c

Aw, so touching to be missed. :blush:

I'm still in NZ. I booked to come here for three weeks, but I've stayed on because my Dad isn't doing too well and it seemed pretty stupid to go back to the UK just now when I could be spending time with him. Boy, do I miss my bike though! I've retrieved the old bike I had here to have something to get about on, but it's not fun to ride. Slowest bike ever - it's like it doesn't want to go fast. And flat pedals suck!!! I just can't get used to them again! (I will concede that there are much grippier, better ones out there than the ones on this bike, a sub-NZ$500 entry-level hardtail.)

Anyway, I need to go and be vaguely productive before I sit down and catch up on 300-odd TD posts... You just can't go away for the weekend if you want to keep up with the drift!

[DrBee]

Noooo, fish, think sooothing thoughts of electron microscopes and sexy beekeeper outfits...you want to shop...shopping....

Hee hee - I went shopping for real this afternoon. I never do that. I bought a sexy little shirt. It even shows a little cleavage! Oh my! It's fuschia! I'm going to wear it when Mr. Fish and I go out to a fancy dinner to celebrate the new job (once it becomes official). I did have fun shopping for lab stuff today, too. :)

CWR - I hope you survive the freaky monkey video. Just remember... you asked ;)

[Nanci]

Yup, spend time with your dad while you have the chance.

It isn't so fun staying acclimated to hot temps when it is 90F and 55% humidity at 7PM, and I am outside eating dinner, reading 23 Days In July, having just finished the alpe l'huez time trial of 2004...

Ernesto should arrive about 8PM tomorrow, it looks like, but 100 miles out at the coast, passing by to the east of me. Heading out to sea earlier than previously thought. Keep hooking east, Ernesto!!

Way to go, Snap!

[snapdragen]

Beta - you are a sick, sick woman. That monkey video is........:eek: But I watched the whole thing. And I'll probably pass it on to some friends, because I am a sick, sick woman too.

[Kitsune06]

That movie was SO weird. It does sorta say something when the last one was sitting there, eating all alone and not going to look for his friends, or seeking help for them or anything. Bizarre. I wonder if it was things like this that encouraged so many people to be the way they are today?

[Lise]

Re: Freaky Monkey Bike Video: You guys must read the entire thread. It was pretty danged funny for awhile there.

Fish! You sexy thing! Woohoo! ;)

DirtDiva/TLK: Glad you get to spend time with your dad. And that you got to come let us know what's going on.

Nanci: Glad Ernesto's bark was worse than his bite.

I've decided NOT to do the century I was planning to do on 9/17. I'm running a 1/2 marathon on 10/1, and I cannot train adequately for both. I am still feeling really worn out since the triathlon. I have three 20 hour shifts coming up in the next seven days, and then I'm off for two blessed weeks.

I realized that doing the century was about my ego, not about enjoyment or readiness, or anything else. I've commited to the 1/2 marathon with my friend Jamie. It's a big deal to her. We did it together last year, but she's been training much more diligently this year. Every time we run together she talks about how she is so glad I'm doing it with her.

So tonight I talked to my friend Paul and told him I couldn't do the century. I should be doing a lot more bike training than I am right now. Heck, I'm not even doing the run training that I should be. He was fine with it. We're going to go for a long ride, explore one of the trails in the suburbs, mid October. I feel so relieved. (and no, for those following my dating life at home, Paul is a friend friend, not a friend with potential :rolleyes: )

So right now I'm mostly doing rest training. Sunday I'll get in a good run, and get back on track with the training next week. Rest up, run some longer distances, do the 1/2 marathon, take a nice, long, fun ride, instead of push-push-pushing myself.

And that's the report from LiseLand. :D

[chickwhorips]

still waiting for the video to load. gotta love bfe and not a fast internet connection. i'll watch it first thing in the morning (if i remember and if i'm awake)

have a good night ya'll!

[DirtDiva]

No! No! You have to stay up and watch it before you go to sleep. All the better to give you nightmares, my dear. :eek: :D :p

[DirtDiva]

And now, so everyone can have the kookaburra song stuck in their heads for days... http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/kookaburra.htm

[Kitsune06]

Nooooooooo not the kookaburra song!

However weird/boring I thought this place got at midnight, it's even moreso at 4am. It's so weird... sooo quiet. It's a full facility, everyone's still on shift, but it suddenly got veeery quiet around 3 and it's still almost silent, b/c no one wants to break the near-silence... all I hear is the machinery. *twilightzone music*
I need sleep.

[crazycanuck]

:mad: :eek: :mad: :eek:
I'm afraid i'm going to have to send you an air slap dirtdiva...arrgghghgh...
Where's a campfire & marshmallows when you need one?(campfire song from pathfinders...)

Beta-where in australia did you go?

back later..

c

[Kitsune06]

At least you don't have to feel like you're alone tonight, Beta and Miz Canuck. You've got at least a token state-sider (sorta) here... :D

[crazycanuck]

Kit & dirtdiva-do you ladies have msn messenger? Perhaps we could have a funky shindig online.

Kit-what time are ye working until?

c

[betagirl]

Beta - you are a sick, sick woman. That monkey video is........ But I watched the whole thing. And I'll probably pass it on to some friends, because I am a sick, sick woman too.

Heh. Imagine the mental illness of the person who wrote and/or filmed that. No wonder so many drugs were done here in the late 60's. It was to rid the demons of the previous decade.


Beta-where in australia did you go?

I was there for a month with my family, so a lot of places. My dad traveled a lot for business when I was a kid, so he had enough miles to get us there. We flew into Sydney, then traveled up the east coast to the reef. I don't recall how far north we went. Then we went inland a little and saw the Blue Mountains as we headed south to Melbourne. Then looped along the south coast back to Sydney. I was 12 at the time. It was very cool.

I feel like I slack off most nights. I'm always so dang tired I fall asleep as the convo is going on here. Last night I was out though, so I have a valid excuse. Honest.

I think it may have finally stopped raining here. Today is my first actual day of classes for the fall term. I have 4 today, 9am to 9:30pm. There's a 3 hour break in there around lunch time at least. Bring on the starbucks!

[Kitsune06]

I'm here 'til 6am pst, so another hour and a half... I could try to get onto MSN but for some reason it keeps 'failing' my login... :mad:

[betagirl]

I think I had too much wine at dinner lastnight..... :D

[Nanci]

Mmm...wine...I might be having wine leftover night tonight.

[KnottedYet]

I only had time for TD. gotta run take a shower and get ready to go to the job-of-unprofessionalism. I am not filled with waves of contentment for my job.

I wanna ride my bike instead.

The owners are there today, so I shouldn't find any thong underwear wrappers in patient's charts today.

[crazycanuck]

Hey ladies,

Have a good day at work or whatever you're up to today.

I'm off to dream about biking uphill...(Í seem to dream about my legs rotating on a bike...)

Bring on thursday!
c

[Trek420]

hey ladies, this is cute for the cat lovers here

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WofFb_eOxxA

I've taken a half day off, will go to work then plan to head to the dojo after. My toe is still bugging me but the Wednesday class shouldn't hurt.

[chickwhorips]

so i watched the video.... i have this to say: i was hoping for real monkeys! i was hoping that they taught them to ride bikes. oh well.... interesting video though. i'm off to read the thread about it.

wish i was back off to bed, nope gotta get up and work. booo!

[Nanci]

First rain bands from Ernesto are coming through now!

http://tinyurl.com/qeu32 (hope that works)

I'm right where it says GNV

Actually, I'm underground at work, bored out of my mind from all the No Shows, but I may go on a field trip to where I can see outside.

[chickwhorips]

looks like your going to have a beautiful day outside nanci. don't worry your not alone. we have a low that's hitting us with good winds, gonna pick up even more tomorrow.

[Nanci]

Ernesto is downgraded to a tropical depression now, not even a tropical storm any more. I wonder if it's going to be clear tomorrow when I'm on vacation?

[Brina]

(and no, for those following my dating life at home, Paul is a friend friend, not a friend with potential :rolleyes: )

unless he is gay there is no way to say that with 100% certainty. Trust me, I though dh was a friend friend, not a friend with potential for years. Then we went to dating to engaged in like three months time.

[DrBee]

I will hope for clear skies for you tomorrow Nanci. And for you CWR! At least the plants are getting some rain. Good weather for a duck!

Off to the internet for more equipment shopping. Fun fun fun!

[Lise]

unless he is gay there is no way to say that with 100% certainty. Trust me, I though dh was a friend friend, not a friend with potential for years. Then we went to dating to engaged in like three months time.
He's not gay, but 10 years younger, and with some serious emotional immaturity. When he's "on", he's fun to hang out with. When he's off...he's beyond obnoxious. But we're friends, and we both like to ride. I'm in noooo way attracted to Paul! It's more like snotty younger brother. Glad to hear things worked out for you and your DH though!

[Nanci]

http://tinyurl.com/nf88l

Looks a lot scarier than it really is, doesn't it?

[AuntieK]

Oh, Nanci! :eek: Please tell me it's really not as bad as that makes it look.

[Nanci]

It's not very bad. Even for those on the coast. I'll just get lots of nice rain. Sure looks scary, though!

[snapdragen]

Looks a lot scarier than it really is, doesn't it?

Just remember what Katrina looked like...:eek: :eek: :eek:

[salsabike]

1350

[Denise223]

Hi Everyone!

salsabike: I agree, that is a pretty picture! Rafael is an awesome tennis player - (thanks for reminding me to turn on the Open :) ).

http://www.rafaelnadal.com/english/en/home.html

I just came by to see what's happening in TD -- Looks like you're all having a good time - it really is nice to see friendships happening :D !

Nanci: I'm happy to hear that you're safe down there -- it does look wicked scary!

Trek420: That furcat video is a RIOT :D !! Thanks for sharing.

Have a great night!

Denise

[Lise]

so i watched the video.... i have this to say: i was hoping for real monkeys! i was hoping that they taught them to ride bikes. oh well.... interesting video though. i'm off to read the thread about it.
"Interesting"?!? OK, TD gang, it's clear that CWR has higher than average tolerance for out-and-out wierdness! Perhaps it helps, living up there on the tundra. Glad it didn't give you nightmares....like some people we know...:eek: :D

[chickwhorips]

i thought it was going to be something really horrific. it wasnt that bad. i would've been a bit more creative in the whole filming thing, story plot wasn't the best, but as a kid perspective, i'm sure it was good. though i'm sure it would give a child some nightmares. (i think i need to get out of the bush and to civilization for a while.)

i have one question after watching: do you really need to have a license for your road bike?

[Nanci]

I think real monkeys would have been less disturbing.

I'm glad someone clarified that above tennis player was a man- I was having a hard time deciding.

Shrimp fra diavolo on penne for dinner tonight!

[chickwhorips]

I'm glad someone clarified that above tennis player was a man- I was having a hard time deciding.

the arms were what led me to believe it was a guy.

[salsabike]

Exactly. Gorgeous, sculpt-able arms.

[winddance]

I agree. I had to look twice, because the face? kind of feminine.

I went to the gym today!! I am previewing a schmancy private club that has pools and such should I choose to act on the triathlon inspiration I have going on. Today I took a class that was based on ballet and modern dance technique. I haven't taken a ballet class in a year, and I'm already sore. Cycling uses such different muscles!

[mimitabby]

I'm glad someone clarified that above tennis player was a man- I was having a hard time deciding.



are you serious? He's a lovely man!!

speaking of lovely men, my nephew showed up at the house tonight. He's 27 (same age as my french horn playing son)
He's been in hawaii for almost a year, is building an organic farm from scratch with a small team. He's so excited and the healthiest i've ever seen him.
He made his own little shelter between 3 nut trees, sleeps in a loft
with a mosquito net. Very earthy; but neat too.
this was his first return to the continent since he went to Hawaii
and he brought cool photos and stuff.

[winddance]

I think it's just the mane of hair. His ponytail is far fuller and shinier than mine.

I do like his arms.

[KnottedYet]

I didn't even see the pony tail. I thought it was a girl, too. Maybe because there is so much airbrushing in that picture. (how sad, that I see a doctored photo and instantly think "woman". Like every woman's photo has to be doctored...)

The media did it! The media has WARPED me!

[Lise]

I went to the website that has him talking about tennis (in Spanish). Clearly a man, but a "lovely" man (my favorite kind). He is from Spain, and has that Castillian accent I find so hard to understand. He also seems to have a bit of a lisp (aside from the accent!), sort of talks out one side of his mouth. Great action shots.
........................
The problem (a problem) with my job is that I eat almost constantly. Did a clinic today. B'fast. snack (V8, string cheese). lunch. snack (grapes). dinner (not much--bruschetta with rice cakes, fresh mozz). snack (yogurt, walnuts). Now it's 11:30 PM, I just ate the 400 calories of peanut noodle salad from Trader Joe's. I've got 10.5 hr to go--if I get some sleep, I stop eating. If I don't, I'll probably eat again at 3 AM, and 6 or 7 AM, and 11 AM...sleep a few hours...get up and eat...

I know that fatigue + stress ---> hunger. I'd probably lose 10# fairly easily if I worked a straight day job. :rolleyes: That's my excuse, and I'm sticking with it!

[winddance]

I eat a lot at work. I keep checking my snack drawer to see if something new has magically appeared. I've been taking care to stock it with healthy snacks, but I definitely eat more when I'm tired, and work makes me tired.

I have a great idea. To combat obesity, we should all work less!

[crazycanuck]

Wahooeeey...

Got me AV jersey today in the mail...doesn't look too bad I must say. If anyone has an extra large & a large let me know how they compare...
It's a purty coloured joisy.

Our loan has been approved!!!(it was approved today!!!)ze house is ours..now all we have to do is sign ummmm hundreds of pieces of paperwork...That'll be early next week.

I had no clue who the tennis player was until someone saved the day & told us!!!

oops....http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5301172.stm?ls

I must ask, I haven't been paying attention to the 1yr anniversary of Katrina and would like to know if you mind asking a few questions? I know this isn't the place but you can always guide me to the correct place
1-Do you feel America's learnt much from the event? Have any attitudes changed?
2-If you were to suggest one change what would it be?
3-How do Americans feel about the event now? (similar to #1 but not quite?)

Tanks

c

[DrBee]

Good morning (or evening) all! I had one of those nights where I was awake for almost 3 hours. I should've done what Lise does and gotten up to eat. I was hungry. Today I make my slides for my meeting in SF. I turned in my shopping list. Glad that's done.

Windance mentioned "mane" and it made me think of a shampoo I was in Walgreens - "Mane and Tail". Seriously - it has directions for both human use and animal use. Have you seen this????

Lise - I hope the shift went well.

Nanci - how did the storm go?

Mimi - the nephew sounds like a cool guy!

CWR - perhaps you do need to visit civilization soon. Those freaky monkey faces creep me out.

[Nanci]

A few weeks ago there was a show on snakes on PBS. One segment showed how the Red Cockaded Woodpecker defended its nest from Corns by pecking the tree around its nest hole, causing sap to drip down. When the climbing Corn encountered the sap, it instantly dropped off the tree.

I was amazed at how easily the Corn climbed the bare pine trunk, and thought I would see if Maizey knew how to do that. It was so cool! I just touched her to the tree, and she instantly gripped it securely with her body. Here is her video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhN9IyED3So

[DrBee]

I must ask, I haven't been paying attention to the 1yr anniversary of Katrina and would like to know if you mind asking a few questions? I know this isn't the place but you can always guide me to the correct place
1-Do you feel America's learnt much from the event? Have any attitudes changed?
2-If you were to suggest one change what would it be?
3-How do Americans feel about the event now? (similar to #1 but not quite?)

Tanks

c

Well CC - I think I'm the one here that's closest to areas hit by Katrina so I'll take a stab at the local response. Others can give you the perspective from elsewhere. I and Mr. Fish have a number of friends and family that live in areas affected by Katrina. Many people are suffering from post-traumatic stress. If it rains, some people freak out. Same with wind.

I'm not sure what America has learned. People along the Gulf coast (that have homes) definitely are more prepared (in terms of supplies) this year than last. I think most will evacuate (if they can) if the call comes out. The rules have been changed in NO in that evacuation orders will be given days earlier now.

Many people still have not returned to the coastal areas or are still living with relatives or in FEMA trailers.

When I spoke with evacuees that came to our town some of them said that they had nothing to go back to so they would settle elsewhere.

Many people (from elsewhere in the country) say that NO should not be rebuilt. That is not feasible and is unthinkable, IMHO. NO has a unique culture that is made by the people living there (both rich and poor). The lower income component of the city is no longer there. Those people made up an important part of the culture. Most/all of the horrow stories from the Superdome were untrue. People were second-lining (a Mardi-Gras dance) in the Dome, not killing each other.

I do think that people in America did reach deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to help the people along the coast that were affected. We had 3000 evacuees come into our town (of 15000). At shelters that I visited (a month post-Katrine) I saw tractor trailer loads of goods being delivered (everything from baby food to dog food to toys). It was an amazing site. I organized the Mississippi part of a national volunteer campaign to provide kids with backbacks of personal items. In my little town that was already pretty tapped out - I collected 135 backpacks of goodies that were delivered directly to kids in the schools. There were more collected elsewhere around the state as well.

Talking to people in Louisiana recently and hearing their stories of last year deeply affected me. You can see how deeply the emotions go in people that directly impacted.

That was long - I hope that helped a bit.

[crazycanuck]

Fish-thanks for your reply!!! With news stories from the US, i like to ask you ladies your thoughts as you're not the media & don't have to sell millions of papers or keep viewers entertained.


The lower income component of the city is no longer there. Those people made up an important part of the culture.
I've not done much research into this but what's the attitude towards these people in thier adopted cities? Has thier life or lives improved & are the locals still happy to have them there? Are they still in the same situation they were before???

Good to hear you helped out in whatever way you could. :)

Night ladies, have a good day.

c

[Nanci]

Boy, I don't know. What a cluster that was. People either can't (no transportation) or won't (don't want to leave their home undefended, which I can certainly sympathize with) evacuate while there is time to do it in an orderly fashion. You know _days_ ahead of time when hurricane is heading your way.

There have been a series of articles in the New York Times about people affected by the storm. Those who left on their own, and headed east, say to Atlanta, have made new homes/lives for themselves, and count themselves better off than they were in NO. Those who were evacuated to Houston at the bitter end have not fared so well. For some reason they weren't welcomed into the community, and those who had lived lives of crime in NO squandered the help they received and continued on as they had been.

Some few people got modest insurance settlements, and rebuilt themselves, rather than waiting for federal help. They were uncertain, though, about if they would be "allowed" to rebuild their homes, as there was talk of turning the destroyed neighborhoods into parks or such- and no way to find out if that would happen to _your_ neighborhood. But there is a type of person who won't be beaten down, who gets up and rebuilds in the face of uncertainty, who has now created a liveable home in a rotting neighborhood, who hopes to be an example for others, who has their children back in their own school, who works, rebuilding, after a full day at a real job.

One man spoke of how he didn't know if the soil of his yard had been poisoned by the toxic soup of flood waters- if anything would ever be able to grow there. But after he cleaned things up, sprouts of grass appeared, and he re-landscaped and planted flowers and trees. He told how he had no electricity for months, and used a generator to run his tools and lights, but luckily he had good water.

As for the levees, who was to know. I don't know how you can blame the government for the failure of the levees any more than you can blame someone for the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. If an occurance of that magnitude has never happened, how can one predict or even imagine what would happen? And even if you _did_ know that the levees could, in some circumstance, fail, who would have predicted that so many would, and how on earth could you go about rebuilding them to prevent it? The city just grew, without planning, getting closer and closer to the Gulf, and the engineering at the time seemed adequate, though it was found later not to be- but how could it be fixed? _Now_ they have the opportunity to rebuild from scratch and hopefully re-engineer things more safely.

They re-elected Ray Nagin as Mayor- they must have faith in him.

I've met several people affected by Katrina- one guy who was to do Ironman Florida, who lost everything. His forum rented a top-end bike for him, and gave him a place to stay. I met a guy at TOSRV who was living in a FEMA trailer, continuing on, waiting for an insurance settlement. I have a close friend whose house was destroyed, who went with his wife to live with relatives, whose wife wants to move back, although he doesn't. I guess they have to do what she wants to do. I transported a dog, who was moving in many legs by many volunteers from New orleans to Massachusets (sure I murdered that word!) to stay with a foster family until his owner had a place to stay in Florida where she could keep him. (And they have been happily reunited!)

[DrBee]

I heard yesterday that Houston absorbed 20,000 students into their school system! I haven't heard much about how people are doing wherever they have settled. I'm hoping that this mess provided an opportunity to start over and that that opportunity was taken advantage of.

[Nanci]

Nothing, absolutely nothing, maybe a couple sprinkles. Gorgeous and clear today. Here's a picture of Dill under an umbrella when I was determined to get everyone outside for their daily outing, even though the radar looked bad!

[Nanci]

It's hard to get a good pic of Dill- every time he'd hear the auto focus, he'd pop out of his hole like Whack A Mole and shake his head, right when the shutter clicked.

[Nanci]

Here's a pic of the unphotogenic shrinking violet, from last night:

[Nanci]

At least the tennis player doesn't appear to have a wattle...

(My arms looked like that when I was shoeing horses!!)

[KnottedYet]

I organized the Mississippi part of a national volunteer campaign to provide kids with backbacks of personal items. In my little town that was already pretty tapped out - I collected 135 backpacks of goodies that were delivered directly to kids in the schools. There were more collected elsewhere around the state as well.

FISH!!!!! "Back on Track!" Are you a HipMama!?!?! (good lordy, are you MamaNoPajamas?)

[mimitabby]

Fish-thanks for your reply!!! With news stories from the US, i like to ask you ladies your thoughts as you're not the media & don't have to sell millions of papers or keep viewers entertained.


I've not done much research into this but what's the attitude towards these people in thier adopted cities? Has thier life or lives improved & are the locals still happy to have them there? Are they still in the same situation they were before???

Good to hear you helped out in whatever way you could. :)

Night ladies, have a good day.

c

I have been hearing serious unhappy rumblings from Houston (the city that absorbed the biggest piece of NO refugees). Their murder, suicide and crime rate is way up.
It is very sad, but this kind of refugee has even more trouble starting over than normal ones; because their lives were messed up before.

I know that here in Seattle, we have a few, and from time to time they are featured in articles, mostly sunny I guess.
A recent article in the New york times suggests that the kids are still having trouble because their parents are too.
Here's one of the articles I recently found:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/27/magazine/27neworleans-1.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[mimitabby]

Nanci
I love your pictures!
http://www.sersale.org/cats/agenza.jpg

here are my two former ferals, Aggie in the front and Enza behind.

[Nanci]

I think tortoiseshell is the prettiest cat color.

[DebW]

Hello all. I'm back from a 5 day vacation, and it only took me 2.5 hours to catch up on TD. Have yet to catch up on "Open", but "Bike Maintenance" was minimal. Congrats to FishDr/BeeDr on the new job! I'm happy that Maizy is eating again, and I love Dill's new Swiss Army crate.

The vacation was spent in Missouri, with 3 days at Lake of the Ozarks. Not what I'd pick for a vacation, but the purpose was to spend time with family (parents, sister, and the German contingent). I waterskied a couple times and watched a water snake eating a fish (very slow process).

Other random notes:
Carving letters out of kiwi fruit is harder than one might think. I should have asked for advice from our NZ contingent. The fruit spelled "Baden" (the name of my brand-new nephew) and went on top of a pecan pie. I assume that Baden got a taste about a day after his mother ate the pie. Big brother Nolan ate 3 letters.

Dropped son at college last week. I'm officially an empty-nester now.

Fall is here. My morning commute started at 50F, and required a midway stop to remove the kneewarmers and wind vest.

[Lise]

it's the danged winter that comes after. Well, let's all put our fingers in our ears and pretend that won't happen this year! La-la-la! Everybody sing along! :p

Fish/Bee--you must be heading to Kalifohrnia soon, right?! I am so jealous that you get to meet all those TE gals and their guys and fry (thinking of the PP). Stories! Pictures! Eagerly awaited.

Nanci--great pictures of the beasts. I had no idea Maisey was so big. I wonder what it is about the sap that makes the snakes fall off the tree.

Deb--I'd think kiwi would be a very difficult carving medium. Congrats on the new baby in the family!

I caught a baby at ~1AM, got some sleep, but am about to confine the cats to the kitchen and catch some more zzzzs. See y'all later.

(PS Nanci, I heard that about the wattle! Let's see Mr. Lovely Tennis Player finish 25 Ironman tris, win 10 of them, and we'll check his lovely skin, eh?!? :p )

[DrBee]

Knotted - uhhh...the project was called "Project Backpack" and no, I'm not the pajama person.

Lise - I head to SF on Saturday. I'm bringing my camera, but I'm sure some of the other ladies will have a camera and will post pics before I return. I can't wait! Especially now that I get to celebrate my new job!

Our weather is even good here! :eek: It's only supposed to get to 85 today! And then go into the low 60's tonight. That is way cooler than it was a week ago (upper 90's). We have the window's open in the house and the AC OFF!!!!! I'm taking tomorrow off to work on getting the house ready to show. We have a nibble - did I tell you? We're going to show it next week! Very cool, since it's not on the market yet.

DebW - welcome back and congrats on the new baby in the family!

Nanci - love the pics, as usual! And the video!

You know - everyone is complaining about this, that, or the other today at work and it is so nice to know that I don't have to worry about that crud anymore! Now I get to move to new crud! ;)

[DrBee]

I've posted a thread in Open about moving FishJr up to K. If any of y'all have opinions on this, I'd really appreciate it. We're not sure what to do.

[mimitabby]

FishDr
welcome to the world of having school aged children. I found the most important thing was to be very proactive. Both my sons were handfuls, The principals always knew us by name.
Being in a big city is nice because more than once we took a boy out of a bad situation by transferring out of one school into another.
I found that teachers found the most ridiculous things to be serious problems
and I went round and round with them about who should punish..
example: 2nd grade son caught having peeing contest with other boys in boy's room. (no, we didn't punish him for that, how ridiculous)
example: son blew a cottonwood puff at a girl
(no we didn't punish him for that either)
it goes on and on. (they were already punished in school for these things)
i have had teachers put my son in a closet ! and deprive these active boys
of recess as a punishment for being too fidgety!
and no I never gave my kids drugs for being NORMAL.

now fast forward to now:
older son just graduated from college; has never been in trouble
younger son is a 4.0 math major in college, has never been in trouble.

They are both confident young men too.

Good luck with your daughter, I hear they are easier.

[Nanci]

I think I actually prefer Peter Reid to Tennis Guy!

[DrBee]

Both athletic, but so different. At least the Peter Reid shots weren't airbrushed. :p

[Lise]

I think I actually prefer Peter Reid to Tennis Guy!
See? He grows on you! I don't have the feeling I'd need to compete with Peter for mirror time.

[Nanci]

At least Peter Reid is never mistaken for a woman :eek:

[Lise]

At least Peter Reid is never mistaken for a woman :eek:
Noooo, that would never happen! :D

[Nanci]

Lise, remember when I changed my avatar to PR??

[Lise]

Lise, remember when I changed my avatar to PR??
Oh, I do! I knew you secretly loved him, but were just pretending not to so you wouldn't hurt my feelings.

Right?

Perhaps it's best if we just don't answer that question!

Anyway....:rolleyes:

When is that What It Takes movie coming out? http://www.witmovie.com/

[Nanci]

PR would neve have a longer ponytail than you, either.

[Selkie]

I think Tennis Guy's eyebrows give him away as a guy. Kind of reminds me a little of that Milli Vanilli fella. Sorry Nanci, but I think he's hotter than the "Wattle" dude. But then again, I like Mimi's tortie kitty better than either "eyebrows" or "wattle."

[mimitabby]

speaking of avatars, has anyone else had serious trouble getting the file size small enough?
(seems a bit stingy to me!)

[Nanci]

Ernesto is whacking the Carolinas, now, and has strengthened to almost a Cat 1 hurricane, and is still gaining strength...

You know those wine bottles with the plastic top with the pull-out cork, that you can save and re-cork? I tried to open that with a corkscrew...It wouldn't go, though, so I took off the foil- doh!! That was a bottle of Austrailian Fine Muscat dessert wine, which was _not_ cold enough. Very syrupy. I love the same winery's Tokay- so will try again tonight.

On my day off, I sat on the patio with the torts in the morning and drank coffee (four cups!) from my SS mug, and then napped until 12, then took a motorcycle ride out to Dakotah Winery, and bought a bottle of native white, rose and blueberry, which are now chilling. Now were waiting for pizza from Dominos!!

I'm ready to take the torts out to graze again.

[chickwhorips]

i wish i had your life right at the moment nanci..... sounds so great.

[DrBee]

I get to spend my day off tomorrow cleaning carpets and everything else in site! Now, I am not complaining. If I could sell this house without going through a relocation company, I would be a very happy camper.

A nice bottle of wine and pizza sounds so good right now. I think we're having leftover chicken and potatoes with rosemary and garlic (very yummy). Last night I made chocolate mousse for dessert. I love mousse!!!!!

My kiddies are jumping off of the bed. This is not good.

So - I'm going to be cold in SF, aren't I?

We still have the AC off! How are the temps where you are?

My neighbor just came home with a brand new ginormo Escalade. Now there's a fine example of conserving gas, eh? That's one farmer that does not have a tough life. Unreal!

I'm tired. I'm done drifting for now. Later ladies!

[Nanci]

Where I am, it's 88F,59% humidity, sunny.

I just ate FOUR pieces of Dominos Philly Cheesesteak Pizza. That's like a world record for me. I am in love!!

Going back out with the bird (and a grape pop and choc covered espresso beans) to start French Revolutions, having finished 23 Days in July, while BF goes for a bike ride, prior to two hours of Grays Anatomy reruns!!

[chickwhorips]

88F i think i'd die in that heat, its 48 here. it was almost 60F here on tuesday and i thought i was going to die. and short and a tank on. :eek: i was very white. sunshine? hmmm.... whats that? i think thats that one bright thing in the sky that i usually melt from. i have the humidity under control. its 87% here.

[crazycanuck]

I had a crash this morning-ouch. My first road bike crash...

I was doing really well with speed etc. and was excited because i was going to make 30km in 1hr 10. That was until i mistook a curb for a flat piece of road at 30km/hr..oops...

I hit my head,most of the left side of my body, chunks out of my knuckles & wrist. I have to get my bike checked out as the right side isn't too pretty. Ruined my really nice gloves &will need a new helmet. My head hurts & am sitting here at home alone wondering how to get rid of the headache...I am supposed to go to work today but am going to be a bit late.....:D

Damn, I was doing really well with speed too...pooey...

have a good day guys :)

c

[DrBee]

We're at 82F with 51% humidity. It's slightly breezy and partly cloudy. Nice!

Nanci - your talk of pizza made me want some. We're going with the gourmet pizza (only other option here is pizza hut). Crawfish and Andouille. Yummy! Soon I will live where there are all sorts of good food! Yippee!

CWR - I'm looking at the temps in SF and thinking I'm gonna be chilly next week! I'd need a coat for sure where you are.

[DebW]

I had a crash this morning-ouch. My first road bike crash...

I hit my head,most of the left side of my body, chunks out of my knuckles & wrist. I have to get my bike checked out as the right side isn't too pretty. Ruined my really nice gloves &will need a new helmet. My head hurts & am sitting here at home alone wondering how to get rid of the headache...I am supposed to go to work today but am going to be a bit late.....:D


So sorry to hear this, CC. Have you been checked for a concussion? Healing thoughts coming your way.

[DrBee]

CC - OMG! Are you okay? That sounds awful! When I had my crash it took days for the headache to go away. Good luck with the bike. They can usually bend things back. Just make sure it all is really okay. Take it easy tonight!

[crazycanuck]

Thanks ladies,

Just taking it very slowly & won't be able to go to a dr as i'm feeling woozy and ian's not here to drive me. (he's at a corporate love in)

c

[chickwhorips]

cc keep taking it easy! hope your feeling better soon and hope you get to the dr soon.

[Nanci]

CC! I'm sorry you crashed! Don't be afraid to ask a friend to take you to the ER if you get too woozy...

[Jones]

CC- sorry to hear about your crash, I hope you have a speedy, quick recovery.

Nanci- saw this and thought of you http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060830/od_nm/australia_pigeon_dc_2

Jones

[Nanci]

A pigeon punch-up!!

[maillotpois]

So - I'm going to be cold in SF, aren't I?


Too much TD to catch up on - but I did catch this. Fish it has been cool here, especially in the city. I would be surprised if it has hit 75 in the last few days in SF. It will get warmer up in Marin where I am, but this weekend is supposed to be a bit cooler....

[chickwhorips]

75F cold?! thats HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!

[snapdragen]

Sigh.

Went to the gyno for my annual exam. So much fun....

NP: "Oh, you have a lump in your breast"
Me: "Yes, it's been there for four years, never changes"
NP goes through my chart, finds all the dr. mamogram reports. "Oh yes, I see it all here. I'm sending you in for an ultrasound - better safe than sorry!"
Me: "I've had one already, but OK. "
NP: "Oh, while you're there you can get a bone density test too!"
Me: "Oh goody" (To quote my cousin 'Our people have bones of solid rock')

NP: "Any signs of menopause?"
Me: "Maybe......night sweats." (Although I've pretty much slept hot and sweaty all my life..)
NP: "I'll send you in for a blood test, to check your hormone levels."
Me: Sigh.
NP: "Do we need to check anything else? Thyroid? Cholesterol?"
Me: "No, just had that done in February"

NP: "Next year you'll be 50?"
Me: "Yes?"
NP: "Then we'll add a colonoscopy to your tests. But for now here's this 'do at home' test"
Me thinking - I best not be having to get up close and personal with my poop lady....

Of course, now my boob hurts from the poking and prodding. Oh, and there was an intern there on rotation, so she got to poke and prod too!

And suddenly I feel the need to eat an exceptionally healthy diet, like the Colocare test is going to tell the world if I've been eating cheeseburgers and fries. :rolleyes: Must eat mass quantities of green, yellow, orange and red vegetables!

I had better pass the Pap test - I studied for it and everything.....:D

[betagirl]

This will make you feel better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKu_QA8Bn9o

And if you feel that you need to show your support:

http://www.101t-shirts.com/acatalog/David_Hasselhoff_hoff_KnightRider_Baywatch_t_shirt.html

[chickwhorips]

beta where do you find these things? you crack me up.

[Lise]

CC--keep us posted on your healing. Take it verrrry easy today, OK?

Snap--sigh. "Colonoscopy" looms large in my future. :( I did a bone density test a few years ago after some meds that increased the risk of bone loss. I was "denser than average". I could've told 'em that! :rolleyes:

[margo49]

I had a crash this morning-ouch. My first road bike crash...

I ...pooey...

c

"Follow my finger, Ms Canuck. Hmmm. That seems to be fine. I don't think we need any X-rays. You can go home now. Rest for a few days and if you have any problems ask those TE women. I'm a only Doctor"

Seriously, rest up and you'll be back on the bike in a week

[SadieKate]

Snap--sigh. "Colonoscopy" looms large in my future. :( I did a bone density test a few years ago after some meds that increased the risk of bone loss. I was "denser than average". I could've told 'em that! :rolleyes:Several years ago my mom had a brain tumor removed. She had to have a shunt placed as an emergency. The doc was vastly relieved that he took her to the OR rather than using the ICU drill because the OR drill is longer. From an internationally known neurosurgeon: "She has the thickest skull I've ever seen!" Just what do you think our response was? :rolleyes:

[winddance]

Hi everybody,

I need some help here. I know some of you are medical and science types, but really, anyone who has had a bit of trouble deciding what they want to be when they grow up is welcome to weigh in.

I just attended a Q&A session about Berkeley's new pre-medical fields post-bacc program. And then I came home and signed up for a biology class. :eek: I figure, if I volunteer, work full time, and can still complete the coursework, I can do anything. I just might not be able to pay for whatever crazy scheme I come up with. The scheme might be that no, I can't handle it, and I should stick to my current, very comfortable job.

I have a business degree. I'm lucky enough that UCB is starting a program like this that offers evening classes, so I could even get in the prereqs over the course of the next few years -- should I go forward.

But what about you? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? Did it just happen, or did you try something else first? Did everyone else think you were crazy?

Thanks. :)

[snapdragen]

Oh.............................My.....................................God :eek:




This will make you feel better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKu_QA8Bn9o

[dachshund]

I had better pass the Pap test - I studied for it and everything.....:D

:p Good one!

After a mamogram I always want to tell the lady "OK, now it's your turn." It has to take a special personality to do that work. I'm usually pretty steamed by the end of it.

Same thing at the dentist. I sit there thinking "afterwards, you sit in the chair and I'll measure the pockets in YOUR gums. Give me that metal thing..."

[dachshund]

This will make you feel better:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKu_QA8Bn9o


Didja catch the wiener dogs ??

[crazycanuck]

Thanks ladies for your wishes.

Ian came home & took me to the ER....wasn't sure whether or not to go there or just a regular medical centre...Dr checked me out & had me on observation for an 1hr & then toodled off. My dear is staying home today with me just to make sure i'm cool.

I'm alright-the headache is still there & my knee is quite stiff. The bike is in the shop being fixed :)

I'm off to have a rest.

c :)

[DirtDiva]

Ouch cc! :( Hope you're back to your usual self ASAP. Thanks to beta you've at least met your Hoff worship quota for the month. :D

[crazycanuck]

Hey dirtdiva,

Hope your weekend has started off well. Are you watching the game tomorrow night?

Ban the Hoff!!! :eek: banish him i say

c

[DirtDiva]

I won't be at Jade, but I will be in front of the telly! :D We'll probably get pounded though :eek: with so many either injured or in Sun City on AB duty. If Canty loses the shield tomorrow, the ABs had better paste the Boks extraordinarily on Sunday!

[crazycanuck]

Oh yeah the npc season....haven't been following it :o

The AB"s better win...A whole bunch of us will be at the pub tomorrow night...

The big sporting news here in perth isn't rugby-(it gets a measly one page in the paper while afl gets 14...:mad:) it's the fight for the top 4 spots in the afl..both WA teams are there & there's a possibility of a dockers-eagles final. There's a problem though-flights are already booked out & most fans will have to drive or take the train to Melbourne for the final at the MCG...

Dirt, do you have msn messenger?

Oh hey CWR-tried to catch you online but no luck. I'll try later tonight...

c

[Nanci]

I had to get a colonoscopy a few years ago- it was no big deal. I wanted to stay awake and watch really badly, but the drugs were too good. Don't be afraid!

Nanci

[betagirl]

I had to get a colonoscopy a few years ago- it was no big deal. I wanted to stay awake and watch really badly, but the drugs were too good. Don't be afraid!

I second that. I've had 2 colonoscopies, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy. Having crohn's disease makes you lose your concerns about that part of your body being exposed to others :D The worst part is the prep, and all the crap you have to drink and all the crapping you end up doing. The actual procedure, you're high as a kite. It's quite a good cocktail. The flex sig, no drugs so that's not nearly as pleasant.


But what about you? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? Did it just happen, or did you try something else first?

I have an undergrad in psychology and had every intention of going to grad school after, but took a 7 year hiatus. During that time I worked in the corporate world and was pretty successful in the IT industry. Even got a masters degree since the psych degree was getting me nowhere. I *thought* I was giving up the medical field, but after a while I knew that I couldn't work behind a desk the rest of my life. So I finally bit the bullet and went back. I quit my corporate job after about a year of working full time and going to school full time. I knew I wanted to do psych because of how much I enjoyed it in undergrad, though my focus within psych and what I want to do now is different than then.


Did everyone else think you were crazy?

Yes. And many were envious that I had the "guts" to actually walk away and do what I really wanted to do.


Ban the Hoff!!! banish him i say

I blame the Germans. :D

[betagirl]

Geez CC, feel better soon! Glad it wasn't too serious.

[DrBee]

This will make you feel better:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKu_QA8Bn9o

And if you feel that you need to show your support:

http://www.101t-shirts.com/acatalog/David_Hasselhoff_hoff_KnightRider_Baywatch_t_shirt.html

You're a sick, sick woman. That was baaaaaddddd! What a way to start the day!

CC - glad to hear you're recovering. In my experience - the headache will take a few days to diminish. Sounds like you're taking it easy. Good luck with the recovery!

Snap - yeesh. That sounds like a glorious trip to the doc. Sorry! I've yet to experience the mammogram and colonoscopy. I'm guessing this year or next I'll be up for one. Something to look forward to. I think the "at home" test will earn you some serious ice cream and chocolate!

[DrBee]

But what about you? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? Did it just happen, or did you try something else first? Did everyone else think you were crazy?

Thanks. :)

I started as a math major for undergrad, then switched to biology major/math minor. That took 6.5 years (worked full time and went to school part time for a year in the middle of that). I then took 6 months off and worked on campus in the Biol dept (animal husbandry) and applied for a few jobs. Somewhere during those 6 months after seeing my prospects with a B.S., I decided to get an M.S. in Biology. About 1 year into my M.S. program I knew (just knew - hard to explain) that I wanted to go straight through and then onto a Ph.D. I did that and don't regret it all.

Go for it and good luck!

[Pax]

Beta - I'm a little out of the loop, are you going to Grad school to do something in psych? Just curious since that's my field.

[betagirl]

Yup, in my 3rd year toward my doctorate. Speaking of, gotta get my butt to class then to practicum :D

What do you do queen?

[KnottedYet]

But what about you? How did you figure out what you wanted to do? Did it just happen, or did you try something else first? Did everyone else think you were crazy?


I literally fell into it. I'd always been interested in medicine, but I was also interested in a million other things. My senior year of college I fell and sprained my ankle. Went to PT for the first time. Walked in the door to the clinic and the heavens opened up and the angels sang! (before I even said "hi" to the receptionist)

Took me 10 years (no, wait, it was 11 years!) before things worked out and I could start a career in my "new" field, as a minor functionary with an associates degree from a community college.

I cannot tell you how tortured I am with regrets for the things I didn't do, and the courage I didn't have.

(And regrets for the advanced degrees I was capable of getting, but couldn't for one reason or another.)

GO FOR IT!!! Don't let anything stop you!!!!

[maillotpois]

Snap - did I read that right? They're giving you a "do at home" something colonoscopy test?????

Winddance - I almost did a post bacc for pre med about 10 years ago during my first wave of job dissatisfaction. I think you're younger than I was then, so I say go for it!! I still had a ton of student loans from my current education at that point, so I really couldn't justify it on a financial level.

[DrBee]

Living room is done. Wow, that took a lot of work. Note to self - buy new house with minimal amount of carpeting. Kids + carpet = lots of cleaning. I love the carpet cleaner I borrowed from a friend. It is amazing how much dirt this thing pulls up!!!

back to cleaning...

[Nanci]

What I did on my second day of vacation:

Two loads of laundry- bird towels and sheets. Hung out to dry.

Changed the bed. I hate that mostly because of trying to find 11 pillowcases that match. (Seven for me, four for him.)

Sat out with the torts. Drank coffee out of SS mug. Still not getting into French Revolutions...

Moved a tree. Am resisting moving it again.

Got nails done. Have only screwed up two so far. [[How come every time I write screw now I think of s-word for bolt???]]

Colored hair, FINALLY!!

Very light grocery shopping, including only one bottle of wine (white merlot) and, unfortunately, a pint of Neopolitan Dynamite. Also some drugstore shopping.

Ate lasagna for breakfast and sushi for lunch.

Sent in entry for next Saturday's 200k, in Indian Harbour Beach, and made a hotel reservation. Tried to lure GF into going. Haven't heard back.

Major cleaning of Dillbird's room, including removing all towels and vacuuming the bed (I love you, Dyson!!) and putting down new towels and vacuuming the floor.

Emptied the Dyson cannister. Everytime I do that, I am re-amazed at how simple and foolproof it is. You would not believe the size of feathers I can suck up with that thing and not have it get clogged. Then, click- the cannister is released, and click- the bottom falls away and all the bird gunk falls out into the trash, and click, it goes right back together. I think I bought it around last Thanksgiving- so almost a year later, I am still in love.

Tomorrow the bike riding starts!! New routes planned for the three-day weekend!

[snapdragen]

Snap - did I read that right? They're giving you a "do at home" something colonoscopy test?????

The visual for that is just too.....too....:eek: It's called Colocare, not a colonoscopy. http://www.helena.com/104colocare.htm

[Nanci]

Which would be more fun, mow the lawn or take a nap?? If I mow the lawn, can I have ice cream?

[DrBee]

Absolutely ice cream!

I cleaned ALL of the carpets in my house today. I think that's deserving of chocolate at the very least, don't you?

Sounds like Nanci is having a good vacation!

Did you know that vanilla yogurt (Yoplait Thick and Creamy) and chocolate Teddy Grahams are very yummy together? Ah, the pleasure of having kids in the house.

[Nanci]

Ok, the lawn won out. But it's 88F out and breezy and almost overcast- perfect tortoise grazing weather! I have to go enjoy the view of the mowed lawn.

[mimitabby]

I had a crash this morning-ouch. My first road bike crash...

I was doing really well with speed etc. and was excited because i was going to make 30km in 1hr 10. That was until i mistook a curb for a flat piece of road at 30km/hr..oops...

I hit my head,most of the left side of my body, chunks out of my knuckles & wrist. I have to get my bike checked out as the right side isn't too pretty. Ruined my really nice gloves &will need a new helmet. My head hurts & am sitting here at home alone wondering how to get rid of the headache...I am supposed to go to work today but am going to be a bit late.....:D

Damn, I was doing really well with speed too...pooey...

have a good day guys :)

c
Oh, i'm so sorry you crashed! I hope you get well soon!

but.. don't you guys fall UP not down?
sorry bad humor here, still wasted from my own ride.

[winddance]

Thanks, everybody, for your responses so far. You've given me a lot of encouragement and things to think about!

I'm glad my class starts next week, before I lose my newly found courage...

[KnottedYet]

There were cooked crabs (cooked and frozen whole) at Costco. I couldn't resist.

I ate half (only half!) of one for dinner. Now my stomach is extremely unhappy with me. Dang it, I used to eat crab all the time, and this one was just fine! It's been so long since I had real crab (not pressed pollock) that my tummy just can't cope.

Today was my first day of vacation. I did errands, bought groceries, hung out at my LBS. We discussed plans for my new-to-me Waterford. The guy I was talking to has one. I was intending to go to a different shop with the Waterford, but the 2nd time I talked to the other shop they were kinda short with me. They didn't like me asking dumb questions very much, and I ask a lot of questions.

My LBS is great with my questions, and will show me stuff and tell me how to fix things myself. Plus they are willing to almost match the prices for things at Nashbar if I need to make a special order. And they have used parts for some things.

[chickwhorips]

mmmm.... fresh crab. only a couple more months to go before crab season starts. though i still have some in the freezer from last season. anyone need some crab? i have about half of a 40 lb box left. :cool:

[KnottedYet]

On second thought, I don't believe it was the crab.

This is turning into a major "ate some gluten somewhere" event. The only new thing I ate today was a Green Tea Frappucino with whipped cream at Starbucks. (it was good, by the way)

I wonder if there was some wheat starch thickener used to make it creamy?

Dang, now I gotta stay home tonight. Hangin' out in the little room with no windows. At least I have the September issue of Bicycling to read! (and there's a woman on the cover!) And I have my titanium tri bracelet to get narcissistic over.

Edit: dammit, the Starbucks site doesn't list ingredients. Guess I won't be ordering any of those Frappacinos in the future.

[DebW]

My LBS is great with my questions, and will show me stuff and tell me how to fix things myself. Plus they are willing to almost match the prices for things at Nashbar if I need to make a special order. And they have used parts for some things.

Used parts - that's the mark of a good bike shop. Glad they're willing to take time showing you things.

[Kitsune06]

HOW many pages of TD have gone by? OK, to catch up:
Mr. Tennis is definately a guy, and Japanese, I think, and hot. 'Course, with hair and arms like that, even if he was a chick, I'd think he's hot. I'm not too picky. =)
Mimi- your tortie is beautiful! I had a tortie that looked a lot like her- Tsukiko. I've always heard that torties have a personality so unlike any other cat, and I've honestly never seen anything to the contrary. Tsuki had this affinity for playing hide-and-seek, chasing through the house until she 'found' me, then bushing all her fur (bottlebrush tail) and running a little, stopping to see if I was chasing her, then 'encouraging' me to chase her thru the house until she zipped under the bed. Then I'd go back to whatever I was doing, she'd come out, slip around corners all sneaky-like, until she was right next to me, then repeat. She also played 'fetch' and walked through the house talking to us and herself. Silly girl. Does your kitty have such quirks?
OK, so the interview was scary. I was essentially told that the company was only 21 months old, and they'd fired both their administrators in this time period. If hired, I'd be in charge of basically the whole show- as in everything would be on *my* shoulders. No medical/dental/vision benefits yet, but they were excited to be adding medical in 3 months.
unorthodox 30 second interviews- not what I was prepared for, but I did my best, and we shall see.

[mimitabby]

Mimi- your tortie is beautiful! I had a tortie that looked a lot like her- Tsukiko. I've always heard that torties have a personality so unlike any other cat, and I've honestly never seen anything to the contrary. t to me, then repeat. She also played 'fetch' and walked through the house talking to us and herself. Silly girl. Does your kitty have such quirks?
OK, so the interview was scary. I was essentially told that the company was only 21 months old, and they'd fired both their administrators in this time period. If hired, I'd be in charge of basically the whole show- as in everything would be on *my* shoulders. No medical/dental/vision benefits yet, but they were excited to be adding medical in 3 months.
unorthodox 30 second interviews- not what I was prepared for, but I did my best, and we shall see.
Kitsune, sounds like the interview went well. Are you READY to bear that whole company on your shoulders? :eek:

Enza, my tortie. She is a former feral when we caught her she was half starved, so as a kitten she used to eat like there was no tomorrow. So we taught her to "work" for her food, and she learned several tricks. When we were tired of the tricks, standard people training tricks...she would figure out new things like getting in a bag, on a chair, on a ledge.. she learned that if she laid on the floor and put her feet on the wall, that would make treats appear. She also will give kisses for treats. She is very quiet and just a little shy. She is one of the most endearing cats we have ever had. Is it because she's a tortie or is it because she was absolutely wild until she was 3 months old and we caught her in a trap? I don't know.
She'll sleep practically on top of me all night but will not sit on my lap (unless there is a treat involved) and yes, she's my cat in the Avatar..

[Kitsune06]

Mimi- At my first admin job, it was a growing software company, so in such, you end up getting 'absorbed' for different tasks as need be. I was hired as a janitor because my husband worked there and we needed more money for insulin, etc. In 2 months, I was in an Office Assistant position, and 6 months later, Administrative Assistant. By the time I'd been there a year, I was in charge of all the corporate cell phone accounts, wrote reports on the usage/costs & graphed them for the CFO, managed all our Lane Transit District passes, and made all our company's travel plans. It's been a while since I've had that kind of responsibility, but I just *know* I could do it again, if given the chance...

I think the highlight of the interview was the CEO saying "Well... in this position, you have to be very laid back and relaxed. These real-estate brokers can be VERY uptight, and you can't get swept up in that. If the BUILDING's on fire, you have to be calm, nod, and say "The building's on fire. Huh." Can you handle that?"
I said "In my current position as a security guard/dispatcher, the building I'm in could very well LITERALLY be on fire, and I'm the person to dispatch all of our emergency personnel, call 911, get all the details for the incident, chemicals involved, potential reactions and evacuation of corresponding areas. All of this while managing radio communications and contacting our emergency incident commander. I'm cool as you could need.:cool: "
His assistant got the biggest grin. I'm all tingles about the interview.
I know I did 'better than many', but I'm not sure that I did 'better than everyone'... so we shall see.

[mimitabby]

I think the highlight of the interview was the CEO saying "Well... in this position, you have to be very laid back and relaxed. These real-estate brokers can be VERY uptight, and you can't get swept up in that. If the BUILDING's on fire, you have to be calm, nod, and say "The building's on fire. Huh." Can you handle that?"
I said "In my current position as a security guard/dispatcher, the building I'm in could very well LITERALLY be on fire, and I'm the person to dispatch all of our emergency personnel, call 911, get all the details for the incident, chemicals involved, potential reactions and evacuation of corresponding areas. All of this while managing radio communications and contacting our emergency incident commander. I'm cool as you could need.:cool: "
His assistant got the biggest grin. I'm all tingles about the interview.
I know I did 'better than many', but I'm not sure that I did 'better than everyone'... so we shall see.

wow, you really handled yourself well! I think they want you.
I hope it's a job that turns out to be good to you and good for you.
and that you really do get benefits in 3 months.

[Pax]

Yup, in my 3rd year toward my doctorate. Speaking of, gotta get my butt to class then to practicum :D

What do you do queen?
Sorry for the late reply, waaaaaay too many hours at work today.

I work with severely mentally ill adults and adult MI homeless populations. I'm in management so I spend most of my time writing reports/grants/budgets, and developing housing projects for the homeless population.

[Nanci]

I just found out the sequel to one of my favorite movies of all time is coming out in September, Jackass Two!! http://www.jackassmovie.com/

I have never come so close to dying of laughter in a theatre ever. People probably thought I was having seizures.

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

While mowing yesterday, I had a very scary close encounter. You know we have these huge spiders here, who spin a web from a tree to the ground. The web is strong enough that a person will bounce off it.

(ooh, weird little fact while I was looking for a picture-In modern times, the Golden Orb Web Spider's silk is set to become a major product. The silk is almost as strong as Kevlar, the strongest man-made material which is drawn from concentrated sulphuric acid. In contrast, spider silk is drawn from water. If we could manufacture spider silk, it would have a million uses from parachutes, bullet-proof vests, lightweight clothing, seatbelts, light but strong ropes, as sutures in operations, artificial tendons and ligaments. Studies are now being done to have genetically engineered plants produce fluid polymers which can be processed into silk! Spiders are not used to produce silk fabric because Silkworm Moth caterpillars produce twice as much silk and are easier to manage (for example, they don't eat each other up!!).)

Nevermind, I will just attach a pic I took!

Anyway, I'm out in the front, by the road, and have spotted a large spider and web, and have been carefully avoiding it. But on one of my passes back, I forget. Not good. I drive the mower at top speed so I can mow about an acre per hour. Before I know it, I have plowed into the web and the spider is coming closer and closer to my chest, in fact even _touches_ my chest, as I am frantically putting the mower in reverse. Thank God it stayed on the web as I sped backwards away from it!

Ok, leaving to ride now...

[DirtDiva]

So just how big is this critter?

[crazycanuck]

Purty but freaky...:eek: What type of spider was that dear? Good thing ian wasn't in the room or i'd have to warn him not to look.

Speaking of creatures that can kill...There was news story this evening about a gent who saw a brown snake in his back yard & went to kill it but picked it up whilst doing so. Snake bit him, the dr''s weren't sure if he would make it & was in hospital for a while ...:eek:
It appears Perth is in the midst of an early snake season....:eek: LEt's put it this way...mr/mrs venomous snake (we have most of the deadly ones out here...) can go one way & i'll go the other...they can have all the ground they want....:D I''ll stay out of the way...

Am sitting here attempting to follow the ITU world tri champs in Laussane, Switzerland. I'm having problems with thier live coverage & can only get the fnishing line...'Just trying to find out how two ladies that train with our coach are doing.
Shots of gents behinds though are a bit of a sight..:D

Am feeling a bit better-my head doesn't hurt as much but my back & shoulders do..I have to watch myself-i get a bundle of energy but then feel a bit tired & have to sit down.

The bike is fixed, have a new helmet & will try and do a short ride monday night. :)

c

[betagirl]

Ewwwwwwwwww. Another reason not to live in FL.....

"The Golden Orb Web Spider's venom is generally harmless to humans and they rarely bite even if we blunder into and destroy their webs. The bite is just a scratch. They are clumsy on the ground."

Thankfully spiders around here are pretty boring. Mostly what I see are wolf spiders when I'm digging in the yard or in the garage.

CC - you guys down there have all the good snakes and bugs :D

http://www.termite.com/spider-identification.html#funnelweb

[crazycanuck]

I've never seen or heard of most of the spiders on that list...

Funnel webs :eek: ...good thing we don't have them here in WA..

White tails & red backs-they're in our back yard...they can stay there...i'm not going to bother them..

Huntsmans...:eek: :eek: Let's just say more people in australia die from these spiders than the others..purely from fright...a true fact (not the kind of spider you want to see in your car whilst driving...)

Bikerchick68 should have fun in australia with the creatures!!!

BIlly connelly once said he heard how a certain spider in aust would kill if bothered...His reply was "how stupid would a person have to be to bother x spider.." nuff said ..

c

[KnottedYet]

I met Billy Connelly at a party in the late 70's. (I was a wee tad) He taught me how to pour a beer into a glass.

[KnottedYet]

I wonder if Pam minds that a big ol' agnostic quasi-Buddhist Unitarian d*ke is rooting for her to beat her colon cancer?

(and no hard feelings about my sig line getting censored)

That's what killed my dad. (the cancer, not the sig line)

Get yer butts checked, ladies! And eat those veges and fruits! Take your calcium citrate! Drink lots of water!

[Kitsune06]

Good energy is good energy, no matter where it's from, and it'd be silly to mind.

Geez, ladies, you'd think getting to bed so late, I'd get a clue and sleep in, but nooo, the sun hadda come up. :rolleyes:

How's everyone this morning?

[chickwhorips]

don't complain about that sun! i got to see it for a few mins yesterday and had hope that it still existed!

beta you can come visit me. no snakes or spiders. we have other larger things, but don't worry about those..... they are just here to make it a real alaskan adventure.

i'm off to band some birds. ya'll have a great day!

[betagirl]

Sleeping in? What's that? :D

Today is a beautiful day here. I did some cleaning around the house and am watching the remake of charlie and the chocolate factory again. Johnny Depp is delightfully creepy in this movie. I had some friends over last night, and we had some adult beverages so I'm waiting for my stomach to settle a little before I do anything else...

I'd love to see Alaska some day.

[Kitsune06]

beta-
this is weird, but I have to say it works... just a little bit of hammer gel, etc, is *really* good for hangovers. It's been enough to help me crawl out the door (and to work? *cringe*) many a time. then again, I follow it up with a Rockstar energy drink and water, so what do I know? :p

[Lise]

Dang the beautiful Chicago weather. It's so beautiful out, but I'm just finishing my second 20 hr shift in three days, and I am waaaasted. Going home to sleep, please, oh powers of the universe, make me sleep! See y'all later...enjoy this day!

[KnottedYet]

Clif lemonade is also good for the hangover blues.