Thread Drift

[Kitsune06]

Happy Birthday, BSG!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Happy birthday Lisa!

Sounds good Crankin ... keeping my fingers crossed for you.



My friend Larry died on Sunday. :( Among other things, he built my race bike back in the day. He'd been sick a long time and it was time, but I will miss him.

[Pax]

Sorry to hear that Oak. :(


Crankin - glad you picked a respected school, every bit of edge you can get is a big plus nowadays.

[Crankin]

Happy birthday, Lisa!
Sorry about your friend, Oak. No matter if it's "time" or not, it sucks. DH's cousin, who was more like an uncle, died last night. He had a brain tumor and he was actually having surgery when we went to AZ in March for my MIL's memorial. It was at his house; his wife still had the gathering, even though her husband was in the hospital. That says a lot about them. They were DH's only normal relatives that we enjoyed spending time with.
Pax, I chose Lesley because it has a holistic approach to therapy (we're known as the "la-la" school to students at other schools, but they are jealous) and they are tops in teaching/research about trauma. They also use a more project based type of education, lots and lots of reading, reflecting, research, writing and presentations, very little traditional exams (I've had one multiple choice test and 2 take home essay tests), which matches what I did as a teacher. They have a good track record for placing grads, too.

[Pax]

I just got an email from my mom about the tornado watch we're under. We have them all the time here and I don't even pay attention to them, but they freak her out.

She said "I'm tired of being scared all the time". This breaks my heart, I love her so much but I can't be with her all the time, she's lonely and she's frightened and it just sucks. :(

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well here it is almost midnight and I just checked in TE and fiind all these sweet birthday wishes....thank you all, so nice of you! :)

This morning I was taken to a lovely breakfast in town by my wonderful DH.
Then I worked my 2 hour shift at the food pantry (didn't want to make them have to reschedule). DH gave me a beautiful little porcelain rice bowl from Japan, with brown meditative spiral designs...very tranquil, a lovely shape and small size... I can use it for my steamed greens, rice, tea, whatever. I had bought the exact same bowl for my girlfriend's birthday 2 weeks ago and had confided to DH that I wish I had gotten one for myself too, but had resisted. So he knew i loved it it and he got another identical one, on the sly, for me. :p

It was a GORGEOUS day- so rare this Spring! So when I got home from the pantry i gardened- hoed and planted several new rows of Japanese onions, radicchio, lettuces, more radish.
Then one of our friends who owns a pastry shop in town came by the house and brought me a totally unexpected birthday cake! Chocolate mousse, and LOOK how incredibly beautifuL (http://strumelia.blogspot.com/2011/04/birthday-chocolate-mousse-cake.html)!

Then I found my little native solitary bees were hatching and mating on my kitchen porch, so I took some photos HERE of them mating (http://strumelia.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-horn-facaed-bees-mating.html) :cool:: I even got a 'money shot'. :eek: lol!

Picked fresh spinach from the garden and grated last winter's stored carrots and had goat chevre for a great dinner salad- helped offset the huge serving of choc.mousse cake. :cool:

All in all, a great birthday! :)
Thanks again you guys.

Oak- I'm very sorry about your friend Larry.

[Kitsune06]

'nuther day @ clinicals today. Went well. :) I'm happy. Got home and the cats insisted I take a nap with them. I couldn't disappoint, so we all piled onto the bed. :rolleyes:

Finally got my front fender all situated. Putting full coverage fenders on suspension forks is a little more difficult than it ought to be. :eek: Wanted to go for a ride today but having not slept so great last night, I didn't really have it in me to go out. Maybe tomorrow?

Nice pics, Lisa!

[Xrayted]

Oh gawd I'm tired. I went in pretty early yesterday at work, we got killed, and then I was on-call last night. So of course, we had a late night surgery that they needed me for. I got out of there at 2:45am. That was one lonnnnnng day. 16hrs total. I'm actually sore today. All over. I feel like I got beat up a bit around the edges.

Oh, please call me soon and tell me you got the hiring freeze lifted for my job. :o I need a break from the carnage.

It's Friday!!! And I'm not on-call or doing OT today. The cats have been taking turns nesting in my lap all morning as I sit at the desk clicking away. I wish one of them would start making bread on my thighs though. They could use a nice gentle massage. :D

[spokewench]

So, Sorry ((Oak)) - It is hard to lose a friend.

Wow, What a birthday cake! I've been on a diet lately and I'm dying for more food about now. Stop showing all that nummy stuff!

[Kitsune06]

X makes me feel like a wimp. I did my 8 as a student today and I feel sore, but probably because I'm new and green. :rolleyes: Took a nap with the kitties, then biked to the bank and to the store for therapeutic beer and cider. Tonight calls for a pint of Pyramid Haywire and beef 'n bean burritos. mmmmmmmm:cool:

[Pax]

I was awake from midnight to 3am last night, I worked all day on minimal sleep, came home and put a new tube in my front tire, mowed the grass, let a friends doggy out for a game of catch, cleaned up said doggies pile of barf, made dinner, then settled in for some wine. All in all a great day! :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I hope you guys all catch up on your sleep! Sleep deprivation is so yucky.

I had breakfast early today on my way through town, then on to the supermarket run. Did some laundry with towels and throw rugs, mopped here and there, then finished a patent job of some remote control unit drawings.
I made a big spinach salad from the garden for dinner, then i did some online stuff and lastly practiced a Callabrian tarantella on my tagelharpa. A nice Friday. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh, and...

One of the nice things about getting older is figuring out it's perfectly ok to say 'no' to a friend, in a nice way of course.
This morning a good friend of mine asked if she could borrow one of my two bikes for a day or two to ride it around town and decide if she wanted to get a bike. She hasn't ridden since she was in college a couple decades ago.

I'm usually ok with lending things...clothes, books, tools, CDs, money, even my car....but not my musical instruments, and not my bikes. They are the best things i own, or will ever own, and i take super care to keep them protected from damage. My custom Luna is especially irreplaceable.
No sooner had her request left her mouth when I gently said "No, I'm sorry, i can't." She looked slightly taken aback. She'll live. :cool:

It wouldn't have worked anyway- she would have found my bikes too tall, she wouldn't have had the faintest clue how to work the brifters, and there are hills here that require shifting no matter where you go. Scary for her, highly risky for my bike. Whenever my friend gets in a fender bender (which is at least once a year), she says with a toss of her hand "Well it's just a car!". To me, my car is also 'just a car'. But my bikes are not 'just a bike' to me. ;)

But i had the perfect suggestion!- I just told her she should go to the local sports/bike shop and ask them to put her on some bikes to ride around the road there -for free- they would be all too happy to let her try a bunch and adjust seats for her, show her how to shift on a hybrid, falling all over themselves to help her out! :D

I know you women here on TD would understand.
When I was 25 or 30 this request would have caused a big internal battle for me. Now ...not so much. lol!

[Pax]

...

I know you women here on TD would understand.
When I was 25 or 30 this request would have caused a big internal battle for me. Now ...not so much. lol!

Absolutely. And agreed about the internal struggle, it gets easier and easier to speak our minds as we age, I'm digging it. :D

[Crankin]

I never would let anyone ride my bikes, except maybe another friend who is a cyclist. But, why would someone like that want to ride my bike?
Being older is freeing, isn't it?

[kelownagirl]

BSG - I wouldn't lend anyone my bike either. :eek:

I'm doing another long ride tomorrow and it looks like it's gonna be windy. Again. That means it'll take me an extra 45 minutes to ride the course. Boo.

[Pax]

Switched out my front tube and adjusted my hub yesterday, then we took off on a leisurely pedal to the coffee shop and sat outside to enjoy the sunshine. Followed up with dinner with friends last night... good day!

[Kitsune06]

We pedaled to breakfast yesterday in the sunshine... I have to go in to school for positioning practice before the midterm, and I'm debating whether or not I want to ride in. I have the route planned but I'm not 100% sure I'm ready for some of those hills. :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If it helps any, I will say that I'm never 100% sure I'm ready for hills. :o
Probably best to just go for it.

Pax- that sounds like a lovely day!!

[Pax]

I can't really wrap my head around this whole "hill" thing you all speak of, are they like highway overpasses???


:p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

lol! Yes, that's right.... :cool:

[Catrin]

If it helps any, I will say that I'm never 100% sure I'm ready for hills. :o
Probably best to just go for it.

Pax- that sounds like a lovely day!!


Whewwwww, glad to hear that I am the only one who looks at hills this way :cool:

[Crankin]

Catrin, you should see the hills that Lisa lives around. I live in a fairly hilly area, but, her hills almost killed me :).

[Catrin]

Catrin, you should see the hills that Lisa lives around. I live in a fairly hilly area, but, her hills almost killed me :).

Oh my :eek: I doubt that she would even notice that we HAVE hills around here :o

[Crankin]

I just kid her about this. The ride to her town from Great Barrington, MA was hilly, but fine. It was the 85 degree unshaded 7 mile climb after eating lunch at Ralphs (the place she talks about all of the time) to get back, that had me a little "upset." And it was a 50 mile ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, it probably safe to say it's way hillier around here than Indiana! ;) :D

Robin, that 7 mile climb up 203 is indeed pretty tough if it's 85F and sunny. :cool:

[DebW]

Yesterday was the Run of the Charles canoe race for which I organized two relay teams. It's a 24 mile race with 5 legs of 5 miles each and 6 portages. We had a gorgeous day and everyone had fun. Our two teams placed FIRST and SECOND in the women's division! We were the only 2 teams in the division, but that in no way diminishes our achievement. :D Here are the awards we got. I paddled 2 of the legs yesterday, for a total of 11 miles in a heavy boat, so I felt entitled to be tired today and only managed to ride about 16 miles.

[Xrayted]

Yesterday was the Run of the Charles canoe race for which I organized two relay teams. It's a 24 mile race with 5 legs of 5 miles each and 6 portages. We had a gorgeous day and everyone had fun. Our two teams placed FIRST and SECOND in the women's division! We were the only 2 teams in the division, but that in no way diminishes our achievement. :D Here are the awards we got. I paddled 2 of the legs yesterday, for a total of 11 miles in a heavy boat, so I felt entitled to be tired today and only managed to ride about 16 miles.


You suck!! Get back to work.


:p:p:D

[snapdragen]

I'm embarrassed. Today I make baked potatoes for our dinner. I've never made baked potatoes before. :o Usually when I make steak, I make sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potato chunks.

I've finally found the perfect amount of meat to buy for mom and me -- 1/2 pound suits us perfectly.

[marni]

I can't really wrap my head around this whole "hill" thing you all speak of, are they like highway overpasses???


:p

Around here highway overpasses are my hills, I have several shorter routes that I ride in circles so I can get in overpass repeats.

I can remember that for about 1/3 of the south west cross country on the underground railroad ride, we always had to ride up hill to get the nights' lodging and then start out going uphill first thing in the morning. I used to sing "here comes the burn, la la la la" to J. Lennon "here comes the sun" for the first four or five miles of each days ride.

On the other hand, on the Southern Tier cross country by the time we had ridden through california, arizona, new mexico we were hill climbing animals by the time we hit the texas hill country. so much so that the rest of the ride through flatlands, although beautiful and rewarding was almost boring.

For me its more of a mental attitude. I am willing to admit that I have never met a hill I couldn't walked, but I am usually determined enough to get up it somehow on the bike, even if I am going so slowly at the top that I fail to unclip and fall over sideways like the old man on the trike in Laugh In.

[OakLeaf]

Well, it probably safe to say it's way hillier around here than Indiana! ;) :D

Um, no. Indianapolis itself is flat, but she doesn't have to go far to be in terrain like mine, where you can't go five miles without at least one >10%'er, and it's easy to find a few 20% grades when you feel like a tough day.

Our hills aren't as tall as yours by a long ways, but don't diss steep. It's like the difference between steady-state training and intervals!

[Pax]

Um, no. Indianapolis itself is flat, but she doesn't have to go far to be in terrain like mine, where you can't go five miles without at least one >10%'er, and it's easy to find a few 20% grades when you feel like a tough day.

Our hills aren't as tall as yours by a long ways, but don't diss steep. It's like the difference between steady-state training and intervals!

Yup.

If you really want to experience flat in all it's glory, come on over to Central IL, we have an excess of flat along with a complete lack of curves of any kind. :D

[Kitsune06]

More midterms, today and tomorrow. This one is on image production, tomorrow's is on positioning. I did pretty well on last weeks' on radiation protection/damage. Tell you what, nothing gives you creepy feelings like watching hundreds of thousands of Soviets work and give their lives to entomb Chernobyl , and nothing puts the last ten years into perspective like realizing the two atomic bombs we dropped on Japan killed almost 250,000 civilians either immediately or from later stochastic effects.
The world can be a really ugly place, can't it?
I don't mean to be a downer, but sometimes...

[redrhodie]

I used to sing "here comes the burn, la la la la" to J. Lennon "here comes the sun" for the first four or five miles of each days ride.


George. ;) :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yup.
If you really want to experience flat in all it's glory, come on over to Central IL, we have an excess of flat along with a complete lack of curves of any kind. :D

Yup is right. I've been there, and am going again to Springfield in about 4 weeks. FFFFFFLLLLLLLAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!!!! :eek:

i always feel so uneasy there, like the earth falls off a cliff if I go too far. Makes me feel like a mouse in the middle of a football field. just slightly ...vulnerable. :(

If rode my bike there I could go maybe a zillion miles per hour! :D

[Biciclista]

If rode my bike there I could go maybe a zillion miles per hour! :D

as long as you had the wind at your back...

[OakLeaf]

Naw, where it's that flat there's ALWAYS a headwind. Doesn't matter which direction you go, you could go in a loop, you will have a headwind.

Plus, you get the optical illusion that it's all uphill. This is bad on a long run ...

[Pax]

Yup is right. I've been there, and am going again to Springfield in about 4 weeks. FFFFFFLLLLLLLAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!!!! :eek:

i always feel so uneasy there, like the earth falls off a cliff if I go too far. Makes me feel like a mouse in the middle of a football field. just slightly ...vulnerable. :(

If rode my bike there I could go maybe a zillion miles per hour! :D

You'll be an hour and a half from me... and Springfield actually has some hills compared to Champaign - Urbana where I live. :p

BTW I'm just the opposite of you, when I go to places that are really hilly or heavily forested I get claustrophobic big time!! I need to see the horizon.

[Pax]

I think Mother Nature hates us, it was 36 degrees this morning going up to a high of 57!!! It's not like I live in Antarctica or something, it should be lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's by now. :(

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

BTW I'm just the opposite of you, when I go to places that are really hilly or heavily forested I get claustrophobic big time!! I need to see the horizon.

Isn't it funny how different we can be?! :p

[Pax]

Isn't it funny how different we can be?! :p

It's pretty interesting! When new students come to campus you can see that vulnerable look in their eyes at first. I'll ask them if it's too spacious for them and they'll nod and comment "it's just too OPEN!". :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Here's what I was doing yesterday, installing two new hives.... :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/5697081656_54956854b3_z.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/5696507257_56643998b8_z.jpg

[Pax]

BSG - That is so neat!!!!

[Crankin]

I got an email from one the agencies I applied to... they want to set up an interview! Plus, I am still in the running for the one I hit it off with at the job fair.
I hate this whole process, though.

[spokewench]

I think Mother Nature hates us, it was 36 degrees this morning going up to a high of 57!!! It's not like I live in Antarctica or something, it should be lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's by now. :(

I sure understand where you are coming from! I think we are in the high 20s tonight and low 50's tomorrow. Yikes, that is just too cold.

[Crankin]

I am saying goodbye to my clients this week. It really sucks. This internship thing just sets you up for feeling like crap about this... leaving people who already have attachment issues.

[Crankin]

I went to my 40th HS reunion last night. I didn't actually graduate from this school, but since I don't feel any connection to the small private school in Miami I went to for my last 2 years, I have reconnected with a few people from my childhood here in MA. At 4 PM DH and I decided to stay overnight at the hotel. As we checked in, the girl at the desk (maybe 25 years old) said, "Wow, all of these people checking in for this 40th reunion look so good. What's with you guys?" First I thought, great, they probably all had plastic surgery, but I laughed out loud, as looking great would be typical for this group.
She was right. They did look great, but not in a surgery kind of way. A few of the guys looked bald and a bit paunchy (interestingly, the ones who came alone), but women looked fab.
I had fun, even though it was a smaller group than the last one I went to and I didn't know quite as many people..

[Fredwina]

Nothing since Sunday :eek:!
Hope everyone is ok. I went for an eye exam and was told my eye pressure was high, so I get to be dilated tomorrow (Mom has glaucoma, and well)
Writing like crazy, and fixing to take another Research trip to Indiana - get to a revolutionary war re-enactment (need to find less expensive hobbies)

[crazycanuck]

I'm havin tons o fun doing personal training :cool: :eek:. Weeeeehar..

Now if i could just get my brain to send the right message to my hands when i'm doing outward-inward arm movements (in a push up stance but moving hands out out out then in in in..)

[bmccasland]

Time to close up the house again...
While I'm sitting on the front porch, enjoying what's left of the sun - now covered with thin clouds - and listening to some Cajun music blasting through the open windows... i just heard the heater come on (some lint got zapped in the electronic filter.
Was a nice warm day. Too bad it didn't last :(

[Dogmama]

[QUOTE=BleeckerSt_Girl;572341]Here's what I was doing yesterday, installing two new hives.... :D

/QUOTE]

What gorgeous scenery! I'm SO sick of cactus! :(

[Pax]

What gorgeous scenery! I'm SO sick of cactus! :(
I remember when we lived in AZ, I would look at a picture of lush green spaces and feel desperately homesick. The Midwest isn't the most scenic place on earth, but I sure like living here. :)

[snapdragen]

Dogmama - why is your boy in a donut?

[Crankin]

Me too, Pax.
Plus, there were no cacti left in Tempe. Had to drive for miles to see any real desert. Miles and miles of brown, drab concrete, stucco, and strip malls.

[OakLeaf]

From a poem I wrote a few years ago, after a week in northern California in the summer:

"Life's blood clawed from parched earth; each blade of grass proof of a battle won."

I like to visit the American West; I couldn't live there.

[Dogmama]

Dogmama - why is your boy in a donut?

That was a few months ago. He had an operation called a gastropexy where they attached the stomach to the intestinal wall. German Shepherds and other larger dogs are prone to bloat & torsion. It's where they eat rapidly, gulping a bunch of air and/or exercise too soon afterwards, get very excited, etc. The food bloats the stomach and the stomach can twist on its axis. It's an emergency situation because internal organs begin to die off quickly & the dog can go into shock & die. Because of Zack's size & structure, he was a really good candidate for bloat.

So, the doughnut was instead of the usual cone. He was licking his stitches, so he wore a doughnut for a few weeks. Much easier to maneuver around than a cone.

[Dogmama]

I remember when we lived in AZ, I would look at a picture of lush green spaces and feel desperately homesick. The Midwest isn't the most scenic place on earth, but I sure like living here. :)

This is my 50th summer here. I'd move in a second, but DH has a thriving business that he loves.

If God really was a woman, she wouldn't make a menopausal, hot flashing woman live here.

[Crankin]

Oy.
Glad I moved away before that. Being in an overheated classroom was enough for me when i had flashes. I remember my mom just dripping with sweat in AZ when she started menopause. And being ecstatic when they moved to San Diego shortly after that.

[snapdragen]

Ah yes, I'm familiar with bloat in doggies. Glad he's OK!

[Owlie]

I remember when we lived in AZ, I would look at a picture of lush green spaces and feel desperately homesick. The Midwest isn't the most scenic place on earth, but I sure like living here. :)

The University of Arizona was actually my top choice for grad school. While I was pleasantly surprised by Tucson, and DBF (who's from Mesa)'s insistence that there was greenery within driving distance, the landscape was such that I wasn't sure that I could take living there for the 4-7 years it would take to finish the degree. At the very least, I figured that I might want to move north and east as soon as I graduated. Moot point now, of course, but it's something I'm going to consider the next time around.

[bmccasland]

The University of Arizona was actually my top choice for grad school. While I was pleasantly surprised by Tucson, and DBF (who's from Mesa)'s insistence that there was greenery within driving distance, the landscape was such that I wasn't sure that I could take living there for the 4-7 years it would take to finish the degree. At the very least, I figured that I might want to move north and east as soon as I graduated. Moot point now, of course, but it's something I'm going to consider the next time around.

You mean you didn't like living in technically the lushest greenest desert in the world? The Sonoran Desert has two, count them, two rainy seasons. :cool: And there is greenery on top of Mt. Lemmon, the Rincon Mountains, and the Santa Rita Mountains, or in their canyons.

University of Arizona, class of 1981. ;)

[Pax]

This is my 50th summer here. I'd move in a second, but DH has a thriving business that he loves.

If God really was a woman, she wouldn't make a menopausal, hot flashing woman live here.
Hear, hear! We were both menopausal when we lived there. I remember having a hot flash while riding my motorcycle in 116 degree temps... my first thought was "are you f'ing kidding me!!!" quickly followed by "well, this is a helluva way to die, how embarrassing".:p



The University of Arizona was actually my top choice for grad school. While I was pleasantly surprised by Tucson, and DBF (who's from Mesa)'s insistence that there was greenery within driving distance, the landscape was such that I wasn't sure that I could take living there for the 4-7 years it would take to finish the degree. At the very least, I figured that I might want to move north and east as soon as I graduated. Moot point now, of course, but it's something I'm going to consider the next time around.

My SO worked there as well as the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, she liked both places, but neither of us could hack the heat, the shades of brown, and the lack of a support network. So we came back home to IL... I do miss AZ when it's -8F here though. ;)

[Owlie]

You mean you didn't like living in technically the lushest greenest desert in the world? The Sonoran Desert has two, count them, two rainy seasons. :cool: And there is greenery on top of Mt. Lemmon, the Rincon Mountains, and the Santa Rita Mountains, or in their canyons.

University of Arizona, class of 1981. ;)

I did say I was actually pleasantly surprised. Much more green than I expected (my previous exposure to the state was the Phoenix area, if that tells you anything), though I didn't get a good chance to explore the area. (I was there for two full days, and one of them was full of interview things!) Maybe if I can get some money together to go visit DBF, I'll persuade him to take me down there and we can go exploring. :D But thanks for the tip--if I do end up moving down there, I can get my greenery fix!
I'm also completely heat-intolerant, which makes me more than a little nervous about moving down there. I'm not sure I like the idea of not going outside much between April and October. On the other hand, here you can only go outside between April and October, maybe November if you're lucky.

DBF has actually strongly suggested that I move down there, as UA seems to preferentially take state residents for grad students, because they don't have to pay as much in tuition. That was actually the reason they gave that they didn't admit me. Money. :(

[Crankin]

Tucson has always been nicer than Phx and I regret not going to school there. But, I was young and dumb.
Having Mt. Lemon there is a nice way to get quickly into another climate zone. Once, when I was 7 months pregnant, we were desperate to get out of the heat, the AC, or the pool. We drove up to Black Canyon Lake (3 hours?) and rented a canoe and basically sat under a tree and chilled out in the 74 degree temperature. I think I have a picture of me dozing under the tree, hugely pregnant. What I hated was the cabin fever that set in, because of the heat. I know I couldn't ride in those temperatures. I spent all of my time at the gym, exercising.
I don't mind the winter, because I get out into it with the right clothes for x country skiing and snow shoeing. I love the seasons. Whenever I have to walk to my car in a biting wind, with snow blowing, I think about what it was like to open my car door and get in, after work, when it was 112. I snap out of it quite quickly when I do that.

[Pax]

I remember a small meltdown I had in Tucson, it was August and I just wanted to feel some cool water on my face, the water coming out of the tap was hot no matter which one I turned on so I filled the sink and added a ton of ice... it was barely tepid. I just started to cry and yell "all I want is some cool water, how bloody hard is THAT!!!!!". I realized that perhaps I wasn't cut out for that climate.

[Biciclista]

I remember a small meltdown I had in Tucson, it was August and I just wanted to feel some cool water on my face, the water coming out of the tap was hot no matter which one I turned on so I filled the sink and added a ton of ice... it was barely tepid. I just started to cry and yell "all I want is some cool water, how bloody hard is THAT!!!!!". I realized that perhaps I wasn't cut out for that climate.

yeah, that's what it sounds like. I found the entire metropolitan areas of Phx and Tucson to be very disturbing, truly a phoenix brought forth out of embers.. Not a place where millions were meant to live... millions of scorpions maybe..

[OakLeaf]

On the other hand you never have to turn the hot water on to your washing machine ... and you can take a perfectly comfortable shower when the water heater isn't working. :D

[Crankin]

I do admit that when i had to go to AZ in March, I *did* like the Carefree/Cave Creek area, where we stayed. I had been many times before, but just for eating/shopping. First, it still looked like AZ; desert plants everywhere. No strip malls, big shopping. A few degrees cooler because of the elevation. Narrow, country type roads, with lots of riders everywhere. Small town feeling.
Gee, it sounds like where I live now!
I did catch my DH looking at condo ads for the area after we got back. Seriously, we would never move back, but perhaps maybe have a place to use for a few weeks in the winter when we retire and let our kids use it, too. It's still awhile before that would happen, so it's a moot point.
Mimi, you said it exactly. Large numbers of people aren't meant to live in such a climate. I guess if it had the stayed the way it was in the 70s when I moved there, it might be OK. But, I always think of that song "Baker St." when I think of Phx... "so many people, but it's got no soul."

[Pax]

Does anyone know why they don't build "up" in the Southwest? Instead of endless sprawling single or two story building, how come they don't build high rises?? :confused:

[maillotpois]

I did a 600k brevet this weekend. Last in the series 200, 300, 400 and 600k. I don't really feel like writing a report like after my first one a few years back. Just thought I'd share.

And my last 2 finger in my left hand are numb. Really annoying. :rolleyes: I shouldn't complain - could be worse.

[Veronica]

Hey, I wondered how it was going for you. Glad you finished!

Veronica

[snapdragen]

Way to be casual MP. "Oh....I just rode a butt-load of miles this weekend...no biggie..." :rolleyes:


*Congratulations!*

[jobob]

Heh heh. Thanks snap.

Way to go MP!

[Dogmama]

Does anyone know why they don't build "up" in the Southwest? Instead of endless sprawling single or two story building, how come they don't build high rises?? :confused:

Maybe because they do have land. Maybe because heat rises & it's more costly to build up because of the air conditioning costs. I really don't know, I'm guessing.

Many newer homes are two stories in Tucson. They have postage stamp sized yards. And the UA is building up because they are landlocked.

[maillotpois]

Thanks guys! :o My faithful friends stalking me....

[Pax]

Hey maillotpois, are you still riding your motorcycle?? I'm doing a long weekend trip over the 4th of July... can't WAIT to get out on the highway and get some helmet time.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Does anyone know why they don't build "up" in the Southwest? Instead of endless sprawling single or two story building, how come they don't build high rises?? :confused:

Because they can build endless sprawling single or two story buildings. Empty space gets used. Horizontal space gets used first, it's easier. Then when that runs out the only empty space left is up. :o

[maillotpois]

Hey maillotpois, are you still riding your motorcycle?? I'm doing a long weekend trip over the 4th of July... can't WAIT to get out on the highway and get some helmet time.

Yes! In fact I played hooky the other day and rode the moto out to watch the TOC Mt Hamilton stage. It was super fun because I'd just ridden that on my bike for a double century a couple weeks before and it was SO much easier on the moto! :p And I passed so many cyclists! I rarely pass anyone climbing Mt. Hamilton! :p

The multistrada is SO comfy to ride. I can't wait to take a long trip. Have fun on yours.

[Pax]

Yes! In fact I played hooky the other day and rode the moto out to watch the TOC Mt Hamilton stage. It was super fun because I'd just ridden that on my bike for a double century a couple weeks before and it was SO much easier on the moto! :p And I passed so many cyclists! I rarely pass anyone climbing Mt. Hamilton! :p

The multistrada is SO comfy to ride. I can't wait to take a long trip. Have fun on yours.

That sounds like a great time! Hope you get in a long trip or two this summer.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, I rode 300 miles last weekend on my bicycle. Boy is my butt sore!



(no I didn't. I just always wanted to say that.)

[maillotpois]

Snort! Good one BSG. :)

And for the record, my butt is fine today but the numbness in 2 fingers in my left hand is annoying. I have started getting this intermittently in the last few months from holding the phone up to my head, typing, etc., and it kicked in yesterday about 10 miles from the end and has been coming and going since. Oh well. What do I expect? :rolleyes:

[OakLeaf]

Wow, nice going MP!

Hope your fingers come back soon...

[Owlie]

Well done, MP!

[snapdragen]

My first trip since my surgery last Thursday - I went to the grocery store. I'm now exhausted. :rolleyes:

[maillotpois]

Woot Snap!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My first trip since my surgery last Thursday - I went to the grocery store. I'm now exhausted. :rolleyes:

Sounds like ice cream time to me.

[jobob]

What BSG said!

[Pax]

My first trip since my surgery last Thursday - I went to the grocery store. I'm now exhausted. :rolleyes:

Fun!! Baby steps Snap. :D

[indysteel]

Way to be casual MP. "Oh....I just rode a butt-load of miles this weekend...no biggie..." :rolleyes:


*Congratulations!*

LOL!! Way to go MP--on the 600k and on completing the series! I hope your fingers feel better soon.

[KnottedYet]

I haven't ridden at all, and my butt is just peachy. Actually, more like watermelon-y...

Haven't ridden my bikes since the apartment flooded. Been running instead. One of my bikes (the Surly) got a bit damaged when the maintenance dudes threw it outside during the flood. I'm afraid (quite honestly afraid) to check the Waterford. If she is damaged, I will cry.

So I've avoided it all. Just Call Me Cleopatra, cuz I'm the Queen of Denial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwGVDmEsi8A

Ohh, and while we're on the subject of country music (we are, aren't we?) here's one of my all time favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAbrk3OISyo Terri Clark "Easy on the Eyes, Hard on the Heart." I just love me the (very good) balding drummer in the suit. And when Terri schools the young dude who can't drum for beans. -Knott, who used to play drums decades ago. Oh, and I love the bass line in this song. - Knott, who has an acoustic and an electric and can't play either.

[Pax]

Damn Knott, that just sucks!

[snapdragen]

Sounds like ice cream time to me.

I bought some of those Magnum (http://www.magnumicecream.com/Products/double-chocolate-ice-cream-bar/default.aspx) ice cream bars :eek: Double chocolate. Huge chunk 'o heaven. :)

[marni]

happy birthday to me. Did a killer workout with trainer John than ran 2 miles!!!!!:) came home, finished weaving a towel in waffle weave. Had champagne before dinner, got taken out to a very nice dinner out and 2 out of my 3 children actually remembered to call me.

All in all a very good day.

Now to get back on the restricted and controlled calorie train.

marni

[jobob]

Happy birthday, Marni!

[snapdragen]

Happy Birthday marni!

[salsabike]

Picture of waffle weave towel, maybe??

[OakLeaf]

Happy birthday Marni!

[Pax]

Happy Birthday Marni!! Sounds like a wonderful night!

[crazycanuck]

Happppeeeeeeeeeee Birfdayaaayyyyyy marni! :D

[Crankin]

Happy birthday, Marni.
Going to get a manicure at Moodz today... I will be thinking of you when I go across the street to get a mocha latte!

[snapdragen]

Picture of waffle weave towel, maybe??

^^^this^^^

[marni]

still on the loom because it is warped for 4 or 5 kitchen towels, but here are some pictures of it in progress.

At this point since it is still under tension it doesn't look very waffely but when I have finished the whole warp, cut the towels off the loom, washed and finished the edges, hopefully the waffle weave( small indented squares) and the plain weave (flat cloth like sections) will look distinctly different and equally good. There is some shrinkage that has to happen which can't happen until the pressure is released, the towels are "fulled" ( washed and shrunk) and finished ( hemmed and tidied up.)

marni

[Owlie]

Very cool, Marni! And happy belated birthday!

[salsabike]

I like the colors. And I'm a weaver too so of course I needed to see pics!

[crazycanuck]

Can someone post the link of that photo of the (?)nude norwegian chick cyclist that people are offended of sometimes??? I want to do something similar :D but have to show a person the photo first....:o

[maillotpois]

HB Marni!

Well, I just got asked to consider joining a large, high profile firm that does the work that I do. Flattered at the suggestion, but I believe it's not the right fit for me right now. It is always nice to be asked, though. I am going to try to beg off in a way that will let me approach them in 5 - 10 years and re-initiate the conversation.

[Pax]

MP - VERY nice to be wanted!

[Blueberry]

Well, I just got asked to consider joining a large, high profile firm that does the work that I do. Flattered at the suggestion, but I believe it's not the right fit for me right now. It is always nice to be asked, though. I am going to try to beg off in a way that will let me approach them in 5 - 10 years and re-initiate the conversation.

Congratulations!! It's always good to have options - even if they aren't the right options at the moment:)

[indysteel]

So, aside from my post the other day congratulating MP on her latest feat of endurance, I've never really posted here or even followed the thread. Care to accept a late-comer?

I'll officially start by wishing marni a belated happy birthday! I'm glad you had a good day.

Second, congrats to MP on the job offer, even if it's not something you're interested in accepting; it's still cool!

Third, I took a Pilates reformer class yesterday--only my second ever--and I'm hurtin' a bit. It was really humbling and challenging. I'd really like to incorporate it on a regular basis if I can find a good duet partner. It's pricey, but I think I could really benefit from it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can someone post the link of that photo of the (?)nude norwegian chick cyclist that people are offended of sometimes???

Which one? There are lots of photos of nude Norwegian chicks on bicycles.

[lph]

Me, you mean? Anytime, cc :D

No, but I know of two photos, both taken for a calendar, none of them nude. One of them is of Gunn Rita Dahle in a gold metallic bikini/hotpants thingy, with something that looks like a huge gong in the background, another one is of a girl whose name I can't recall, she's wearing a black bikini and high heels and is sort of crawling toward the camera :rolleyes: I'm not a huge fan of either the shots, but I can probably find them and pm them to you if you like.

Edited to add: the second shot is of Lene Byberg, and it's the Cyclepassion calendar. You should be able to google them with that.

[Pax]

So, aside from my post the other day congratulating MP on her latest feat of endurance, I've never really posted here or even followed the thread. Care to accept a late-comer? ...



All are welcome to join in the drift as it ebbs and flows. :D

[Trek420]

Can someone post the link of that photo of the (?)nude norwegian chick cyclist that people are offended of sometimes??? I want to do something similar :D but have to show a person the photo first....:o

I think it was Knott's avatar at one time :D

[lph]

I think it was Knott's avatar at one time :D

Oh, do you mean the woman with no ribs?

[Owlie]

CC, I think I know what you're talking about, but I wouldn't know how to start looking for it...

Right now I'm consumed with the need to find my pair of jewelry pliers. They used to be in my desk, and then everything got moved around when my parents repainted my room. I have no clue where they are now. I'm also starting to think I need to run over to the craft store when I get my car back and pick up a couple more packages of poly clay. I'm thinking of making some little yellow ducks, and guess what I don't have? Yellow clay.

[marni]

I like the colors. And I'm a weaver too so of course I needed to see pics!

I do mostly traditional Navajo weaving on a traditional frame loom, but one of the groups I belong to insists on doing a study project each year, and those don't always fit on a tapestry type loom. The one pictured is an 8 heddle/8 treadle floor jack loom. (for inquiring minds).

I wonder if there are more of us lurking in the wallpaper?

:)

marni

[crazycanuck]

I found the pic & have received some interesting suggestions for the shoot :eek: :o :eek: :o :o


Marni, when you started private training, was it a bit of a shock when you realized you could do x or y? Do you think it all depends on your trainer?

Wow, it just hit me today that becoming confident in my skills is a wonderful thing & i've never acknowledged this...

What a cool journey...

[OakLeaf]

Wow, it just hit me today that becoming confident in my skills is a wonderful thing & i've never acknowledged this...

What a cool journey...

:D Very cool indeed.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

CC- good for you, girl! :)

[Trek420]

Oh, do you mean the woman with no ribs?

Didn't notice the ribs, she was all blue though. :rolleyes:

[marni]

I found the pic & have received some interesting suggestions for the shoot :eek: :o :eek: :o :o


Marni, when you started private training, was it a bit of a shock when you realized you could do x or y? Do you think it all depends on your trainer?

I have been continually lucky in having 4 trainers, two former marines in their mid 20's, a retired and retrained sociologist, and a tri athelete who have all emphasized periodic "see how far you've come" workouts in which they have me do the exercise at the weight or resistance I started out a couple of times and then taking it up to the current weight and or resistance and making me take it to burn out. Some things I keep a mental chart on like leg presses which when I started out I could barely do 10 at fifty pounds, and am currently at 2 sets of 25 at 240 pounds so I am frequently getting reminders of how far I have come, and how much better I feel and how much more I can do. Yes it has to do with the quality of the trainers, as I know they all are not just saying it to earn their fee, but all have listened seriously to what I wanted to accomplish and have helped me, sometimes in the most unique ways, achieve that and just a little bit more. Most importantly, they have worked continuously with me for full body training, keeping the muscle bulk down, acknowledging that I am a biker and that certain areas need certain kinds of work.

That being said, the highest thrills I have had have been doing my first century ride (13.7 mph 15 hours including stops) dead lifting my own body weight two days in a row (two years ago) and most recently discovering that I can actually run a mile, and today I discovered I can run three!!!!

The confidence lifts come along less often now,but I am still growing at 5-10% in weight, resistance or repetition every 3-4 month's so its all good.

I also love my balance and confidence on the bike, especially when I decide to pull a sprint and can feel my legs respond and my breathing kick in and it's feels easy. That's the best reward.

marni

[crazycanuck]

Marni, i'm currently doing private training in the great outdoors w a really great mtb dude. We use trees & the grass for sprinting etc. I wanted X & Y from the training & have gotten way way more out of it than I ever anticipated.

I understand what you mean by how far you've come...even in a short time...!!!

I've never really belonged to a gym...

De weeeeekend is here & de 6hr's on sunday!!! Weeehar!!! Ian & I entered as a duo..."unwashed lycra"'s our team name...I have a time aim & really will work hard this year!!!

[OakLeaf]

"unwashed lycra"'s our team name

:D :D Good luck and have fun!

[marni]

I love the team name. My daughter and her friends have done and are doing again soon, another warriors run as the team Marni's brigade. Three of my sisters also bike and 3 out of the four of us will be doing the little red riding hood ride for breast cancer in early June- This is sort of a last hurrah before my own surgery. I had special tomatoe red t shirts printed with bicycle gears and a crank on the front in a sort of a diagonal like. On the back I added "geared, tyred and cranky". We have agreed that this will be our post ride outfit.

Good luck and have lots and lots of fun.

marni

[crazycanuck]

Tanks!

I just want to say this..."Give it all you got til you've got nothing left to give".. that's my motto these days....

[kelownagirl]

Go Canucks!!! :D

[Crankin]

Still going on interviews. Number 4 is today.
I was asked back to the first one I went on, they checked my references and now I have to go back and "do more paperwork." I'm pretty sure this means I'm in. I never thought this process would take so long; very different from teaching. Now I have to decide if I want to do full time or 80% time, which will not lengthen the time for getting hours for my license by more than a few months. My goal is to not work on Wednesday, so I can go on my group rides :).
I haven't been on any group rides this year, except the one I led! My mileage sucks, a combination of weather, vacation, allergies. I came home from San Diego with a sinus infection, and now it's gorgeous out. I am holding myself back from riding today, but I might take a walk. I plan to do an easy ride tomorrow, and Saturday DH and I are leading a 15 mile hilly ride Saturday, which we will ride to and back from, so that will be about 40 miles.
Got to get back on track. I feel flabby, fat, and weak.

[Pax]

Hope it happens for you Crankin! And my .02... go for the 80%, time off is precious.

[redrhodie]

Hope it happens for you Crankin! And my .02... go for the 80%, time off is precious.

+1. I think you're in, but my fingers are crossed!

[Crankin]

So, today's interview was a total waste of my time. I had to drive 40 minutes to the corporate office of a huge human service agency, only to find out that the position they had me in for is not really a "clinical" position. I did get the woman to send my resume to a more appropriate division, though. When I was driving there, I noticed the traffic on the other side of the freeway was backed up (not in a spot where that would be usual) due to construction. I was about 5 miles from where I grew up, so I went home with a detour and visited my old neighborhood.
It felt creepy. About 50% or more of the houses are tear downs and have been replaced with houses that are too big for the lots. Most of the houses were ranches or split levels/small colonials. What's weird is that some of the houses (the original ones) look terrible and are in various states of disrepair, like they haven't been painted since I was a kid, some look nice, and then there are the new homes. The worst thing is my old house. It was a little bigger than most of the houses in the area and on a nice corner lot. The people we sold it to sold the house around the time I moved back to MA. Before that, it was really nice looking. Now it looks like a haunted house! The owner planted pine trees all around the lot and they are tall and not well kept. The yard is overgrown and all weeds. It just looks scary. And this is all in one of the most desirable suburbs close to Boston... it was really upsetting to see this.

[Pax]

Well, we're off to Key West for the next ten days, you gals behave. :p

[Owlie]

Well, we're off to Key West for the next ten days, you gals behave. :p


Don't wanna! Have fun!

[indysteel]

Woot! I just finished a draft opinion on a case I've been working on for some time (I work for a judge). It's the hardest case I've ever been involved with--and that's saying a lot. I'm sure there's more work to be done, but it's a big relief to get a draft done. I put it on my boss's chair with a red bow on top.

[indysteel]

Well, we're off to Key West for the next ten days, you gals behave. :p

Sweet! I assume this is your honeymoon!!!

[indysteel]

Had to leave Henry Cat (the guy in my avatar) at the vet today. He peed outside the box, which is very unlike him. They did an ultrsound, and his bladder looks pretty irritated, he's dehydrated and constipated. No crystals in his urine, which is good, but they want to give him sub-q fluids and an enema. They're not sure what might have caused the underlying bladder irritation. We're supposed to go camping this weekend as part of a mtb clinic. I'd like to keep those plans. I'm planning to pick him up tomorrow morning and then work from home so that I can keep an eye on him and get him settled back in.

Ugh. I had a really bad summer last years with my pets, and I don't want to repeat that. Ever. Let's hope it's just a question of getting him rehydrated.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, poor kitty. Hope he feels better and you can go to the clinic.

[bmccasland]

Hope Henry gets to feeling better. I know what a challenge geriatric kitties can be.

[Owlie]

Poor kitty. Hopefully he'll feel better and you can still go to the clinic.

[Catrin]

Crossing fingers for Henry Cat and you!

[indysteel]

Thanks, ladies. He has a new water fountain and catnip toys waiting for him when he returns. I hate when he's not here. He's my baby.

[Crankin]

57 years of having summer vacation is coming to an end.
This feels weird. I have never not been on an academic schedule.

[DebW]

I'm on the anti-academic schedule. Working 2 jobs and 6 days per week Apr-Sept when the bike shop is open. Though I'm taking 1 1/2 weeks in late June to help my parents move. Need to think about a winter vacation later.

Local strawberries are ripe. I've got a quart from the farmers' market. Yum.

[OakLeaf]

My strawberries are bearing!

Last year I transplanted five wild strawberry plants from a corner of our woods, where they were choked with poison ivy. Between the shade, the cover hiding them from pollinators, and the critters, we'd got exactly one berry in the 14 years we've lived here. I put them in a corner of my garden. The plants grew like crazy, bloomed like crazy, didn't set a whole lot of fruit (not sure why - not enough sun? soil fertility), but some. Yummmmmmm.

[lph]

ooh, strawberries are the best :) My son has a healthy little row of them in the back garden, assisted by a bunch in large pots that are forever in the way. But they taste fantastic.

[Owlie]

I love strawberries. The couple years we tried growing them ourselves, the critters got to them. We got berries, just not for long enough to actually pick them.

[lph]

We fed our critters beer instead. A bit expensive, maybe, but we got to eat the strawberries ourselves ;)

[Owlie]

We fed our critters beer instead. A bit expensive, maybe, but we got to eat the strawberries ourselves ;)

Did they start throwing parties in your garden? :D

The slugs get flat beer or grapefruit. When they're not eating my dad's hostas, that is.;)

[Crankin]

Deb, check out the strawberries at Mgrath's farm on Barretts Mill Rd. It's a small farm and the older guy who owns it is a hoot. He said he's hoping to make the crop last until July 4th.

[lph]

Did they start throwing parties in your garden? :D


Well, yes, I guess you could call piling up in heaps and drowning in the beer a kind of... uh, gross, party... ;)

[crazycanuck]

Mmk..I need some help...

When i crashed a few years ago & ended up w a sterniclavicular dislocation...I was just told I needed to strengthen the upper body and things would move along well..Great advice :rolleyes:

Urm..it's not working and am getting really frustrated with the flare ups which keep me from swimming/biking fast(ish)...It's not much fun...

Do i bother my cool dr about this to get it sorted? I've been told there's not much they can do but anything is better than bone slivers scraping together, very sore sternum etc. After 4yrs I would not expect this to be happening...

So...any ideas?

[DebW]

Bad news: The shop I work in is having such light business that they asked me not to come in this afternoon. Only 3 repair jobs in the queue. We had a really slow May due to the cool rainy weather, and it hasn't picked that much in June. :(

Good news: I got to take a ride this afternoon instead of working til 8 pm. :D

Other nice news: I don't have to work Saturday morning, so I'm doing a 30 mile charity ride for pediatric cancer with a friend and her 4-year-old (who will be on a trail-a-bike).

I think Harpoon Summer Beer is the best beer I've ever had. :) Thanks go to my generous supplier.

[bmccasland]

Mmk..I need some help...

When i crashed a few years ago & ended up w a sterniclavicular dislocation...I was just told I needed to strengthen the upper body and things would move along well..Great advice :rolleyes:

Urm..it's not working and am getting really frustrated with the flare ups which keep me from swimming/biking fast(ish)...It's not much fun...

Do i bother my cool dr about this to get it sorted? I've been told there's not much they can do but anything is better than bone slivers scraping together, very sore sternum etc. After 4yrs I would not expect this to be happening...

So...any ideas?

Yeah, go see your doctor, or another one. Can you see a sports medicine doc?

[crazycanuck]

I saw a physio yesterday (same dude that treated me after I fell moons ago) and he's not 100% sure what i've done. I've been told to rest til I see him on monday :eek:, take nurofen plus, do some gentle rotation stuff and massage my back area with one of those spiky balls.

He couldn't touch my sternum yesteday as it is & was too painful. As I was driving home from the beach today I kept getting searing pains on my right side of my sternum. I just about had to pull over a few times but the pain lessened. At least today I can just tolerate a seatbelt...

It could be in my wing (what's that called again..), sternum etc...

[Owlie]

Ouch, CC. Hopefully you'll be able to get it all sorted out. Non-painful clavicle/sternum/whatever vibes for you.

I got my registration stuff sorted out at WSU yesterday, and got to chat with some of the faculty. It's nice in that it's more laid-back than a Research I institution, and the faculty are doing some interesting things. I also learned one or two things that may change how I approach the whole PhD thing (if I decide to go that way). I'm feeling a little better about it now, even if the town seems kind of dull.

[Crankin]

Owlie, I think you will find that smaller, less "high powered" schools care more about their students and the education you get is just as good.
I've been to 6 different schools, small, big, and in between, private, public or whatever, and mostly I found that it's all in what you make of it. Of course, this is coming from a PhD drop out, but getting 2 master's in different fields and at totally different types of schools made me see what I missed the first time.

[Pax]

Hey everyone! Back from 10 days in Key West, it was fantastic... I think I spent more time in the water than I did out!! :D

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Pax! Glad you had a great time!

[Pax]

That's awesome, Pax! Glad you had a great time!

Thanks Indy, it was one of the best vacations I've ever taken (and I take a lot of them :D ).

[OakLeaf]

Welcome back Pax! Glad you had fun.

[indysteel]

Thanks Indy, it was one of the best vacations I've ever taken (and I take a lot of them :D ).

I bet it helped that you had something to celebrate! :D

[indysteel]

Speaking of vacations, DH and I are just starting to plan a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine for September of 2012. I'm beyond excited, as the trip has been on my bucket list for a while. We're going to drive (ugh!), but we'll have our touring bikes with us. I love trip planning! :)

[indysteel]

Ugh; what is wrong with people? The AA in my office is a nice woman who's married to a big jerk. Their grown son isn't much better. The AA told me today that her son had to put his 15-year old cat to sleep yesterday. As she continued to tell the story, it became clear that her son sent his girlfriend to the vet with the cat. He didn't even bother to come along. As she put it, he often makes his GF "do his dirty work."

That just makes me sad. Sad for his girlfriend, who was charged with taking somebody else's pet to be put down. Even sadder for the cat herself. It's just not right.

[bmccasland]

Ugh; what is wrong with people? The AA in my office is a nice woman who's married to a big jerk. Their grown son isn't much better. The AA told me today that her son had to put his 15-year old cat to sleep yesterday. As she continued to tell the story, it became clear that her son sent his girlfriend to the vet with the cat. He didn't even bother to come along. As she put it, he often makes his GF "do his dirty work."

That just makes me sad. Sad for his girlfriend, who was charged with taking somebody else's pet to be put down. Even sadder for the cat herself. It's just not right.

Can you say "enabler"? Sure, I knew you could.

Yes it is sad for the cat. Hopefully kitty knew GF and wasn't too panicked. On the other hand, kitty is now out of that household and is enjoying a warm place in the sun across the rainbow bridge.

[indysteel]

Can you say "enabler"? Sure, I knew you could.

Yes it is sad for the cat. Hopefully kitty knew GF and wasn't too panicked. On the other hand, kitty is now out of that household and is enjoying a warm place in the sun across the rainbow bridge.

Yep. My coworker is too. She and her husband raised a son who gravitated to a young woman who is very much like Mom. No surprise there. You live what you learn (unless you pay a boatload...like me...for quality therapy).

[Veronica]

No surprise there. You live what you learn (unless you pay a boatload...like me...for quality therapy).

Or you become the exact opposite of what you lived.

Veronica

[Crankin]

Both true.
DH is an example of what Veronica said.
Most people are the opposite. It takes a lot of self awareness to purposely behave differently than your parents.
I can see it in the way my boys treat their spouses. They live what they learned.
Though one of them is trying mighty hard to "not" be like us, in other ways. But, it's in his DNA. He's the Marine who drives a Subaru, listens to NPR, and drinks wine like a pro.

[spokewench]

Welcome back Pax - I love Key West - I've never had a bad time there!:D

[Pax]

Welcome back Pax - I love Key West - I've never had a bad time there!:D

Amen sistah! :D

[Trek420]

I have not talked about the job search on TE. It's been stressful and yet with an interview which I feel went well on Friday and another one last month I'm waiting to hear a response from either one. Going for that back up offer but those two I am cautiously hopeful.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Trek!

How can they not love you, we all do. :)

[Pax]

Sending you loads of positive energy Trek!!

[indysteel]

I have not talked about the job search on TE. It's been stressful and yet with an interview which I feel went well on Friday and another one last month I'm waiting to hear a response from either one. Going for that back up offer but those two I am cautiously hopeful.

Good luck, Trek!!! My fingers are crossed.

[Crankin]

Wishing you the best, Trek. As someone who just went through this, I can empathize. My anxiety over the job search did a good job on my physical health and I am now just getting over 8 weeks of allergy, asthma, stomach ailments that always crop up due to stress. If it wasn't for riding, I'd be really crazy.

Now I am stressed over work. Not the actual seeing patients. The paperwork. Everything is different here, and very tightly controlled. It's good, so we don't get a bad "audit," but there is so much to remember, I am forgetting. Like today, I have a client to see at 1:00, in her home. I was planning to go there (not too far from my house) and then go to the office for other meetings, etc. I discovered I left a paper I need the parent to sign on my desk :mad:. I never do stuff like this, unless i am stressed.
And then, my boss told me the special # to access my voice mail... except she didn't tell me how to access it. I made tons of calls yesterday and am hoping for some call backs.
So now, I have to drive to the office, get the paper, learn how to use the phone, and ask my boss a million questions. I feel old and stupid.

[Trek420]

Good luck Trek!

How can they not love you, we all do. :)

Thanks! But all that matters is: are any of you in HR in Seattle? ;) If the to remain unnamed company I adore and already work for manages to get me from point A to point B and makes me an offer I'll hold onto doing the cartoons about this entertaining process till I retire.

If it's UW or anyone else prepare to be entertained. :rolleyes:

[NbyNW]

Good luck, Trek.

I haven't been talking about my job search either. The only thing I want to share is someday finding a job!

What field are you in, again?

[Trek420]

The only thing I want to share is someday finding a job! +1. Everybody, create a 6 - 8 month emergency fund because you never know when your spouse will be in another state and you'll just want to up and quit your job RIGHT NOW AT THIS VERY MOMENT without any job offer there during a recession :(

[NbyNW]

+1. Everybody, create a 6 - 8 month emergency fund because you never know when your spouse will be in another state and you'll just want to up and quit your job RIGHT NOW AT THIS VERY MOMENT without any job offer there during a recession :(

Story of my life. ;)

[Catrin]

Emergency fund? What is that? I know.....never been in a position to be able to do this but I need to rearrange things so I can start working on this once I get the dog bite bills paid off...

[emily_in_nc]

So now, I have to drive to the office, get the paper, learn how to use the phone, and ask my boss a million questions. I feel old and stupid.

Aww, don't feel bad. You're new to the position, and the role, since being a student for so long. It's always stressful starting a new job, even for young'uns, and you can bet they'd make many of the same mistakes if not more than you. Once it all becomes routine, you won't make mistakes like that. Don't beat yourself up for being human. :o

[Crankin]

Going to the office early made a huge difference. The one thing that was really confusing me is now clear (the 2 different types of programs I am working with). Basically my boss said she expects it will take me 4-5 months to get up to speed. I think that is waaay too long, I see more like 2 months.
I saw my first client yesterday. I must say you do see a lot going to someone's home. And, I am going to have to break down and learn how to use the GPS. The 2 places I have to go to yesterday and today are in the city I interned in, so Mapquest was OK. But tomorrow... totally unaware of my surroundings. This is a bit anxiety provoking for me, so I have to use the technology to help.
I might have to get an I Phone :eek:. The clinicians don't have their own computers, we have a bank of them to use. Can't use our own computers, unless we delete everything. That's not so bad, as eventually, they are getting us Netbooks, but I can't check my personal email or TE when I am at the office or out on the road seeing people.

[Trek420]

More details I guess:

On the Friday interview I'm on a short list of 4 candidates. Two are from NYC and my potential maybe someday future boss said he's not confident they will relocate (then why apply? I don't get it :confused:), the other is a local gal.

I'm the only one he's gonna meet!

My "competition" will "meet" him over the phone, even local gal. He says he wants to do a 2nd interview over the phone in 2 weeks (so now that's next week). I'm cautiously optimistic but anything can happen. Sometimes in this process the Persimmon Processing Plant I work for has even withdrawn the opening at the last minute :( So as someone said here the only thing I want to share is that I got a job.

The U is notoriously slow to decide and could respond whenevah.

[Pax]

...

The U is notoriously slow to decide and could respond whenevah.

I swear, they act like you're interviewing for the freaking FBI or something. You already do the dang job, have done the job well for a zillion years. Idiots.

[Crankin]

First week is done.
Oy, I feel pretty incompetent. Spent 3 hours today doing a family intake where the main issue is a 4 year old who is ADHD, probably ODD, and running the family ragged. He already is getting mandated special ed preschool and had early intervention. I can see what the mom's issues are, but I am out of my league with a 4 year old. I am going to recommend exercise for this kid, for sure... he climbed up on the chair I was on, got behind me and was clutching onto my neck. He undoes the seatbelt on his car booster seat, runs out in the street.
Well, it's an interesting family and case and there's lots of intergenerational support.
Drinking a glass of wine and putting off doing any more work.

[crazycanuck]

Crankin, i dearly wish you all the best with that...wow...THen again, that's what you went to uni for & you know you have what it takes to assist the family :)

Anywho...have i mentioned how much i love my dear man. He's been super helpful with carrying heavy stuff for me the past few days..He set up the bike trainer before he left to do some trail maintenance. He had to push the shopping trolley & put all the stuff in the car last night...

He rolled his eyes when he realized he'll have to carry our two rollable luggage bags on our upcoming trip...oops...

[DebW]

Yeah for New York! In a mere 30 days, the number of US citizens living in states without marriage discrimination will double.

Knott, it will get better. A new job for Trek is just around the corner.

[KnottedYet]

Hooray, New York!

[Trek420]

Yeah for New York! In a mere 30 days, the number of US citizens living in states without marriage discrimination will double.

Vermont and New York? If we add the ones with civil unions and everything but the word DP won't it be 8?


A new job for Trek is just around the corner.

I'll remind the guy I interviewed with (in the polite, not nagging kind of way) of his wanting to do a phone interview next week. There's another opening at the Canned Koala Chili Cannery I work for I'm in the running for but I want the one I interviewed for. Not just because I've already interviewed but is a more interesting job at the Organic Free Range Koala Chili Canning Corp. I know, I know, Koala's are very cute but at least these are free range happy Koalas.

I dunno if it's the economy but imperceptibly things seem to be picking up. Even though I have a job and a d@mn good one when pay and bennies are concerned at the ... where am I ... Koala Chili Cannery ... I consider myself unemployed because it's not where I fracking want to be. Responses to my resume have only been for temp jobs. If I got this one I'd be replacing a temp, so is the U job replacing a temp with a perm.

That makes me nervous because Freerange Chili corp is notoriously cheap. I dunno anything about the U culture but I know Chili. Will Koala Chili go "what are we thinking? Temp is cheaper" I hope not.

Both decision makers spoke of a lot of work needing to be done and they'd pulled this and that from budget and won a new perm position.

So have I finally created the winning resume? Am I targeting the right version to the right job? Is it the "buzzwords" because face it your resume doesn't get read by a person till it's pulled out of a huge pile by software.

Or are jobs being created?

[Crankin]

The economy has definitely picked up here. Everyone I know from my grad program has a job. Granted, these are not high paying jobs, but they are professional jobs that are gateways to better ones. The recession seemed to hit only very specific industries in Boston. In the last recession, I knew quite a few high tech or other professional people who were out of work. This time, I don't know anyone who has lost a job. Even my DIL who couldn't find a job in architecture has settled in to being a restaurant manager, and she likes it.

And kudos to NY.

[Pax]

Yay for NY!!!

Trek - I think Deb is referencing population numbers, not total states... NY has a ton of people!

Knott - life will get so much sweeter when you two are under one roof permanently.

[Owlie]

YAY New York!

Ohio, sadly, hasn't really picked up. Of my friends (those who aren't in professional/graduate school), the only ones employed are the ones who studied engineering.

[KnottedYet]

Empire State building last night.

http://i.imgur.com/YPIUx.jpg

[NbyNW]

Hurrah for New York!

Love the rainbow Empire State Building!

[Dr.Doo]

WooHooo New York...I've just been reading about the good news in the Pink News.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/

[PamNY]

Our state Senator sent an email with the good news at 10:30 on Friday night. I hope the Empire State Building is still a rainbow tonight so I can see it!

[OakLeaf]

:) :) :) :)

Yay for New York! May the rest of the country - and the federal government - follow sooner than later...

[KnottedYet]

Working at Pride today, gotta be there at 7:00 a.m. Too early... (gratuitous whine) ;)

Happy Pride, Everyone!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots

[indysteel]

:) :) :) :)

Yay for New York! May the rest of the country - and the federal government - follow sooner than later...

Amen to that, although something tells me that my home state will not be following suit anytime soon. :(

[Dr.Doo]

Working at Pride today, gotta be there at 7:00 a.m. Too early... (gratuitous whine) ;)

Happy Pride, Everyone!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots

A Big Fat Happy Pride to you KnottedYet...I hope everyone has a fantastic celebration :D

[OakLeaf]

For Christmas my sister gave me this year's Syracuse Peace Calendar (http://syracuseculturalworkers.com/products/calendars). What a blast from the past - I had no idea they were still doing those. :)

This month's graphic is "Love, Hate and the Law," with a color-coded world map showing the range of laws, from full marriage equality to jurisdictions where homosexuality is still against the law. How very cool to be able to change the color of the state of New York. :)

[Trek420]

... I hope everyone has a fantastic celebration :D I did! :) I marched in SF pride this weekend with my congregation. I've been going to the parade for years and years and .... and this was incredible.

Huge crowd (it's always big but I had not seen it this crowded in a long time) and so positive. As I overheard one member of our group say "after so many struggles and so many marches and protests it's great to have something to celebrate today".

[Owlie]

:)

All I've got to say for the moment.

[Trek420]

:)

All I've got to say for the moment.

I agree :) yes folks there were all the usual outrageous costumes and scantily clad marchers such as ....

[emily_in_nc]

I agree :) yes folks there were all the usual outrageous costumes and scantily clad marchers such as ....

Awwww, what a darling French Bulldog! :D

[Trek420]

No, these are not my shoes :)

[crazycanuck]

Ahhhh...That's much better..Ahhhh..

I've aggravated one thing & that's led to a,b,c & d...Have been advised to keep it super duper easy for the next few days & visit the coolio physio on Monday. No long long long walks along the beach just short ones...

Ahhhhh..

[Owlie]

Cute dog!

DBF told me last night that while he was cleaning out the garage, he found a set of his old wheels. These were the ones he crashed on, so the rims are shot, but he says the hubs are in great shape. What he wants to do is to see if it makes sense to build a set of wheels around those (and if it's financially feasible), and if it does, I can have those. He knows I want a new bike, and that that's not happening for a while, and that I'm trying to avoid spending money on my current bike because I'm trying to save for a new one (while dealing with the grad school-related expenses).

[lph]

Time for another thread title haiku, I do believe:

"Creaking"
"Woo Hoo!"
"Arthritis question"

[Catrin]

Time for another thread title haiku, I do believe:

"Creaking"
"Woo Hoo!"
"Arthritis question"

LOL, thank you for the first genuine belly laugh I have had in some time, this made my morning :D

[Crankin]

I am exhausted. I can't sleep.
Diagnosing myself with an adjustment disorder... seriously, since I started working, I get in bed, feel exhausted and then can't fall asleep. When I actually do fall asleep, I wake up at 4:30 or so, which is normal for me at this time of year, but jeez, I can't continue on 3 hours of sleep.
I have so much paperwork, I've been working at home until 10:30 or 11:00 PM during this ramp up period. And it doesn't feel like I am doing therapy with anyone, even the parents. It feels like teaching. I am busy, I like my flexible schedule and the people i work with are nice. I even like my clients. Part of my distress is that I have little (no) training in working with behavior disordered kids who are less than 8 years old. I have a couple of clients who are 4 or 5! Yesterday I came home from doing play therapy with a 4 year old, with glitter glue all over my shirt! I actually think he made some progress, but, I really don't feel competent. I can deal with traumatized teenagers, though...
I know I don't have to stay here to do all of my 3300 hrs. for licensing, but I really don't want to change jobs after a year. I also know I am stressed because everything is new... but, I also realized, that last year, I truly found my niche at my internship. My first internship was OK, I learned a lot, but I finished in May feeling very competent and I am not using a lot of those skills now.
This too, shall pass. Thank G-d for my bike.

[crazycanuck]

Crankin, I hope your transition into work gets easier! Is there someone in your profession that can mentor you?? Just a thought?

I have been taking it easy for the last few days but am fighting an uphill battle with gravity :rolleyes: . I did a short 1/2hr walk in my area today & that was just enough for my upper body. The sports bra helped a little bit.

I changed physios (long story) and was told that becuase of the sterniclavicular dislocation years ago, push up type thingies are out of the question...Which I didn't know...

I think the recent mtb fall I had weakened things but i didn't know this at the time. I continued on as i do & somehow must have really bothered something...

I'm going to ask my dr if i can have an upper body ultrasound as that may give me some answers. It might be a bit late but things aren't really improving very quickly...

[Crankin]

Yes, "supervision" is a required part of the field. But right now, I have so much to learn, that my weekly meetings are being taken up with that. I also am part of a peer consultation group and we have our first meeting on 7-16. These are all people I went to school with, and they are very smart. I *know* what to do, it just sucks to not sleep. I did have a better night last night, though. It took me awhile to fall asleep, but I did sleep and when i woke up at 4:30, I was able to go back to sleep until 7:00.
I could go back to my own therapist, but now, knowing what I know, I don't think she was that good. A nice lady, but... I might call her, though, if this continues.

[cyclista]

Guys, does anyone know where to get decent looking high visability clothing for inner city cycling.. ie to be worn over outerwear?

[bmccasland]

Guys, does anyone know where to get decent looking high visability clothing for inner city cycling.. ie to be worn over outerwear?

Try construction safety supply places for a light weight safety vest. Weighs almost nothing, designed to go over jackets. A LBS (local bike shop) might also have reflective bands to go around your pant legs - to keep from flapping too much and risk getting caught in your chain.

[redrhodie]

So, she's not guilty. Surprise, surprise.

[KnottedYet]

So, she's not guilty. Surprise, surprise.

I'm shocked. And as disgusted as I was when O.J. was declared "not guilty."
:mad:

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, ooooh, I got a tattoo!

It's meaningful and momentous and marks a turning point and is perfect and in the perfect spot and is exactly what I wanted in every way. :D

First tattoo. I'm just thrilled!

I had it done at a shop owned by two women and with only women artists. The place was full of women getting tattoos or watching their friends get tattoos. The shop environment was very comfortable, I had such fun!

ETA: here's a subtle hint to what I had done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojydNb3Lrrs One of the other artists looked over my artist's shoulder to see what she was doing, and started singing this song! My theme during the process (which did hurt at times) was "don't panic." ;)

[Trek420]

Can I see :)

[KnottedYet]

Sent you a picture a while ago. Pay some attention to those little beeps your phone makes... they mean something!

[Trek420]

oooh, fun and pretty :p

[Owlie]

Your tattoo has a voiceover by Stephen Fry? ;)
I'm glad you had a good experience!
(And now the song is stuck in my head...)

[Pax]

Cool beans Knott!! Can't wait to see a pic!

[Trek420]

So by my calculations the hiring manager said he'd be done with the first round of interviews during the week of the July 1st. I called yesterday, he said he had an interview that day and another one on Friday and then he'd be done with round one. No wonder he works in construction at the Free Range Panda Belly Chili Cannery I work for. :rolleyes: Then he'd make his choice for round 2 and let us on the short list know. I told him I hope to hear I've made it to round 2 :) :D ... true smily face here .... frustrating. :mad:

But I'd never ever complain about work online. :rolleyes:

[indysteel]

OMG; I thought the day would never come. My orthodontist told me today that he's planning to take my top brackets off at my next visit in three weeks' time. At the risk of jinxing this, can I just say how EXCITED I am. The bottom teeth still need a bit of work, but wow, this is big. It's been almost four years (October of 2007) since I got them, and it's been a royal pain in the teeth a good part of that time.

Getting braces was a big step for me, emotionally and physically. Beyond the fact that I badly needed them (I was a thumbsucker as a child), the fact that I didn't have them as a kid was an emotionally charged issue for me. My older siblings had them, but by the time I needed them, my parents were so self-involved and wrapped up in their own problems, that I got neglected...in more ways than one.

So, taking care of my teeth was not just an act of taking care of my adult self; I felt like I was taking care of my child self, too. I'm proud of myself for doing it. I was so afraid at the time that no one would want to date Ms. Brace Face. Those fears were silly in retrospect. Not quite a year later, I met Brian...and he married me anyway. :D He's never seen me without them. I sure hope we're both happy with the results, and that I don't fall face first while learning to MTB. I have $6k sunk into these teeth.

Anyway, I thought I'd share.

[Blueberry]

Yay Indy! Congratulations!!

[Catrin]

Woooohoooo Indy, that is great news!

[indysteel]

Thanks, guys! :D:D:D

[snapdragen]

Awesome Indy! :D It's going to feel really strange the first few days after they come off.

[Owlie]

Woohoo!

[indysteel]

Awesome Indy! :D It's going to feel really strange the first few days after they come off.

I've been told that. I'm sure it'll take at least a few days to readjust. Then I get the retainer, which I imagine I'll wear 24/7 for a while and then switch to just nights.

When you wear braces and all their various accessories, e.g., rubber bands and powerchains, you get used to almost constant pressure on your teeth. Even when they remove everything just during an office visit, the lack of pressure feels really weird.

[bmccasland]

Indy - to celebrate, eat popcorn! :D

That was something I had to give up when I had braces, so the first bag of theater popcorn was really good!

[indysteel]

Indy - to celebrate, eat popcorn! :D

That was something I had to give up when I had braces, so the first bag of theater popcorn was really good!

Don't tell, but I have to admit I've had popcorn. In fact, despite the fact that I've never been a huge fan of the stuff, I seriously craved it when I first got the braces. I also ate corn on the cob. My husband finds it more than entertaining because I look sort of deranged when I've eaten it. I'm like the the Crazy Corn Lady with it stuck in every nook and cranny. It takes half hour in the bathroom to recover. But it's so good!

Believe it or not, I never broke even one bracket!

What I do miss are whole raw almonds. Those I can't have, and I love them. Ironically, we just bought a bag at Trader Joe's for Brian to eat. I'm nabbing them instead.

[Crankin]

Congratulations, Indy. I had Invisaligns from 2005 to 2007. I could barely stand wearing them, because you couldn't eat unless you took them out, then brushed your teeth before putting them back. Drinking on rides, with anything except water... bad. I ended up not wearing the braces half of the time!
Despite all this, it worked. I wear the retainer Invisaligns at night and plan to wear them forever. My experience with regular braces as a teen taught me that teeth go right back unless you wear the retainer. I never had one as a kid, since I essentially got my braces off because we were moving. I don't think most people realize that teeth naturally migrate back to their original places.

[indysteel]

Congratulations, Indy. I had Invisaligns from 2005 to 2007. I could barely stand wearing them, because you couldn't eat unless you took them out, then brushed your teeth before putting them back. Drinking on rides, with anything except water... bad. I ended up not wearing the braces half of the time!
Despite all this, it worked. I wear the retainer Invisaligns at night and plan to wear them forever. My experience with regular braces as a teen taught me that teeth go right back unless you wear the retainer. I never had one as a kid, since I essentially got my braces off because we were moving. I don't think most people realize that teeth naturally migrate back to their original places.

Yep; I'm committed to my retainers. Back when I was a kid, I'm not sure orthodontists insisted as much as they do now that retainer wear be permanent. I think they do a better job at that now. Of course, client compliance remains a problem (just ask my DH :( ). I hope my result stays relatively stable. Heck, I'm wiling to wear the retainer full time if it means my teeth will stay put.

[DebW]

I made an offer on a house today. I'm offering considerably less than the asking price, so I may not get it. But we'll see. My realtor is good, the house is For Sale by Owner. This is exciting.

[indysteel]

Good luck, Deb! Keep us posted.

[Crankin]

Is it near the apt. you're in? That seems so convenient for you.

[bmccasland]

I made an offer on a house today. I'm offering considerably less than the asking price, so I may not get it. But we'll see. My realtor is good, the house is For Sale by Owner. This is exciting.

Congratulations! Make certain you get the house inspected.

[OakLeaf]

Saw a bird motionless at the bottom perch of my tube feeder, its head all the way in the hole. By the time we noticed it had been there probably an hour. Sad. Went to dispose of it.

Saw its legs were twitching feebly. Even sadder. I was going to have to put it out of its pain.

Tried to take it out of the feeder to do what I had to do. Realized it was moving all four limbs, but its neck was trapped. Worst of all. I would try to free it, but it was so tightly wedged, at such an odd angle, I was sure I would break its neck in the process.

Tried to pop the feeder apart. No luck. Got a long stick to reach through the tube to where the bird's head was jammed. Dug old seeds out to give it more wiggle room. Tried to use the stick to gently push the bird's head down and sideways, under the metal guide. Worked, worked. Gentle, gentle. Between efforts with the stick, held its body, wings and legs in my hand and tried to get a finger on its neck to guide it. No way could I get it out of there without breaking its neck.

Got it loose, finally. Bird flew away, without a moment's hesitation.

Life is fierce.

[marni]

Saw a bird motionless at the bottom perch of my tube feeder, its head all the way in the hole. By the time we noticed it had been there probably an hour. Sad. Went to dispose of it.


Life is fierce.

good for you for trying, and good for the bird, best solution for all.

[bmccasland]

:eek: Wow!

Glad birdie lived to fly away and tell the tale. Maybe it won't get so greedy for seeds. :rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

Awesome, oakleaf! Your post gave me goosebumps. Thank goodness you noticed when you did, and thank you for saving that little bird's life.

I love birds. :p

[marni]

:eek: Wow!

Glad birdie lived to fly away and tell the tale. Maybe it won't get so greedy for seeds. :rolleyes:

there's a reason its called bird brains. ;)

[crazycanuck]

Can you freeze ginger? I bought a large bit of ginger the other day & worry it'll go off before i need it..

Fridge or freezer??

[Owlie]

You can freeze it. I wash it, dry it well, then cut it into a combination of chunks and 1/4"-thick disks. It's quite happy in a quart-sized freezer bag for however long I want to leave it in there. :)

[OakLeaf]

I freeze it too. It gets a little crumbly, so it's no good if you need intact slices, but if you plan to grate or mince it anyway, it's fine. You can freeze it with the peel on, IMO it actually peels easier when it's frozen.

[withm]

Peel it. Slice it as thick/thin as you like. Put the slices into in a small jar. Pour sherry over to cover. Put lid on jar. Store in the fridge. Ginger keeps practically forever this way, and there is nothing you can make with fresh ginger that won't be enhanced by the few drops of sherry it absorbs

[NbyNW]

Oh wow. I'm going to try that thing with the sherry!

[OakLeaf]

My mom always did that back in the day, when you couldn't reliably get ginger in the grocery, and she used dry sherry in place of shaoshing wine that you just couldn't get at all.

But I don't think it would go all that well with most Indian recipes, which is where I typically use mass quantities of ginger.

It sounds kind of odd in sweet potato casserole and ginger snaps too, come to think of it.

[Owlie]

Or chai...unless you want that. ;)

[crazycanuck]

I want to make quite a bit of ginger n honey tea in the near future (no i'm not expecting :rolleyes:, moreso i'm undertaking an interesting dietary change) and want to have some stored away.

Tanks!