Thread Drift

[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

Note this should be DRY sherry. Note, if your recipe calls for grated sherry you can still grate it, but if you value your fingers you might be happy to mince it instead.

Maybe once a year or so I'll start new with fresh ginger root, and fresh sherry.

The sherry does not seem to evaporate. And really, just how much sherry can a slice of ginger root absorb? Even if it was a full teaspoon (and I think we'd be talking more like 1/4 tsp at most), would that really destroy your recipe? The ginger root will surely overpower a teaspoon of sherry in a recipe that makes more than a cup of anything.

I suppose it's easy to go to the trouble to denounce the idea if you are of mindset to find fault with everything and apparently have nothing better to do.

[crazycanuck]

Urm...i didn't denounce it..:( Sounds ok to me :)

[Owlie]

Note this should be DRY sherry. Note, if your recipe calls for grated sherry you can still grate it, but if you value your fingers you might be happy to mince it instead.

Maybe once a year or so I'll start new with fresh ginger root, and fresh sherry.

The sherry does not seem to evaporate. And really, just how much sherry can a slice of ginger root absorb? Even if it was a full teaspoon (and I think we'd be talking more like 1/4 tsp at most), would that really destroy your recipe? The ginger root will surely overpower a teaspoon of sherry in a recipe that makes more than a cup of anything.

I suppose it's easy to go to the trouble to denounce the idea if you are of mindset to find fault with everything and apparently have nothing better to do.

I think it's a great idea for Chinese dishes. Not so sure it'll work with chai (something that I use a lot of ginger for), though. That's all. :)

[OakLeaf]

Urm...i didn't denounce it..:( Sounds ok to me :)

I think it was directed at me. And I do have better things to do than go back and forth about the experience my family has had for decades, with someone who's going to take it as "denunciation."

[Pax]

After talking all the possibilities to DEATH for almost two months...we finally came up with a plan!! :clap

- House goes on the market in March
- I take a leave of absence from work for 4-6 months (we get to keep our health insurance that way)
- We go to Key West for 3-4 months, make some contacts and get to know the place better
- If the house sells we fly home and move our stuff out
- If the house doesn't sell we come home when my leave is up, I go back to work, and we move to KW once the house sells

Gawd, it feel good to have a plan!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Wow Pax, big changes! Hope it all works out just the way you want. :)

[Catrin]

PAX, sounds like a great plan! Hope everything works out for you, and this way you aren't burning your bridges at work just in case :)

[Pax]

Wow Pax, big changes! Hope it all works out just the way you want. :)

I hope so too. We both want to be there and we're trying to make the move responsibly, but the old me keeps yelling in my ear "just quit and GO". Stupid old me. :p

[Fredwina]

I got tele-fired a week ago:mad: been busy with apps since then, so maybe I 'll get something going, although it looks fairly certain that i'll need a new avatar soon as I won't be in SoCal (job takes me away or I can't afford to live here on may on my on UC)

[Owlie]

I'm sorry, Fredwina. I'm sending happy job-finding thoughts to you!

Can I gripe about how much bra shopping sucks? I usually wear cotton sports bras. Alas, many of them are 4-5 years old at this point, and the elastic is going. While I'm keeping a stock of them around, I also have a shortage of regular bras--and I'm going to eventually have to get used to wearing one! I have a brand I like. One (and only one :rolleyes: ) style of theirs fits me perfectly. Trouble is, they're expensive. There's another brand that's less expensive, and the bras are cuter.:o Alas, they run a bit small, and it's hit-or-miss with their styles. I tried their online size calculator out of curiosity. It puts me at a 38D. Based on numbers, yes. In reality, most of that bust measurement is actually ribcage. Sadly, they don't have a store in my area. I'd have to drive to Columbus to try anything on! And did I mention that I'm nearly broke? I wouldn't bother, but the alternative of going around in non-supportive bras is not appealing either.

I think this is the one thing that's more annoying than shopping for bikes, computers or jeans! (Okay, for most people, shopping for bikes isn't annoying, but shops very seldom have anything in my size...)

[Dogmama]

+1 Jeans shopping sucks BIG TIME. Shopping for computers makes my eyes cross.

If you have a bra you like, maybe try Amazon? Yes, bra shopping is awful. I wear sports bras as often as possible. I've been getting these Fruit of the Looms from Amazon that are like a sports bra but with spaghetti straps. I'm smaller than you, so I don't know if they would give you the support you want. But they're like 3 for ~$15 & that includes shipping.

[Owlie]

+1 Jeans shopping sucks BIG TIME. Shopping for computers makes my eyes cross.

If you have a bra you like, maybe try Amazon? Yes, bra shopping is awful. I wear sports bras as often as possible. I've been getting these Fruit of the Looms from Amazon that are like a sports bra but with spaghetti straps. I'm smaller than you, so I don't know if they would give you the support you want. But they're like 3 for ~$15 & that includes shipping.

My measurements and that silly formula (at least, their version) put me at 38D. I'm pretty sure that would fall off, since all of my bras are 36B or C (if it runs small)! :rolleyes:
I do have a number of similar cotton sports-bra type things with spaghetti straps--love 'em, but they don't work well with some shirts and the elastic on many is disintegrating. :(

[OakLeaf]

Why is it that each successive generation of Epi-Pens is BIGGER (never mind more expensive) than the last?

I've been carrying epinephrine now since 1977 and have never had to use it, just replace them as they expire. But I have had a couple of systemic reactions, so IMO it would be pretty stupid of me to die of anaphylaxis because I quit carrying it. :rolleyes:

I had to buy a new seat pack to have room for the last generation. (They're way too big for a jersey pocket.) The newest one won't even fit in my purse. :( :( Haven't tried to get the other one into the seat pack yet, but that thing is pretty jammed full as it is.

[Crankin]

OMG, I have had 5 flats in the last 2 weeks. The first 2 were riding at home, but then I had 2 on my tour; DH also had 2. There was glass everywhere in NY
Went on a short 18 mile ride today, where we first went to the LBS to buy tubes, as our order from Performance won't be here for another day. We had one tube left. When we were about 5 miles from home I had another flat! DH found a small piece of glass in the tire, most definitely it had worked its way in from a couple of days ago. When we got home, he checked over both bikes. There was a ton of glass embedded in his tires and my rear one was starting to go flat again. We have checked the tires inside and out, taken them off when changing, so we are done with them. DH just went to the LBS to get all new tires and tubes.
This makes me realize how spoiled I am; there is never this much crap on the roads I usually ride on.

[KnottedYet]

Some people's mothers....

There is a Section 8 house near me. The woman has 7 or 8 kids, and they are out wandering the neighborhood with no adult supervision. Most nights they are wandering around screaming and fighting until 11 pm, even the toddlers. (it gives me a chill to see a couple of toddlers wandering down the street alone in the dark near midnight)

Last night I was woken out of a sound sleep by the kids screaming and fighting and climbing on cars. Their mother had kicked about six of them (not the baby nor the youngest toddler) out of the house to play outside AT 1:30 IN THE MORNING!!!

What kind of f*ckwit sends her kids outside to play at 1:30 a.m.?

[Crankin]

Call social services, please. Or, the police.
Believe me, this mother needs help.

[Trek420]

What kind of f*ckwit sends her kids outside to play at 1:30 a.m.?

A phouquewitt who is doing something they don't want the kids other than the infants around to see. I'm not saying what or why or when or .... I think Crank's right.

The mutt had a rough night, she threw up, and in the morning upchucked again. Her tummy was rumbling a lot. And she was off her food, did not eat breakfast. That never happens, this dog likes food.

We went on a slow walk, she ate a little grass, seemed to be doing better.

I felt badly but I did have to go to my great nephew's birthday, see my Mom so I left her for the day.

When I got home, she seemed fine, happy and waggy.

I cooked her dinner; rice, a little ground beef, and hand grated carrots to get whatever she ate going through the dog. She ate eagerly and wants some more.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Crankin, as soon as we cross the border from NY into MA, there are suddenly few potholes and nice clean road shoulders.
NY is practically broke. Road repair is falling by the wayside, and forget about cleaning broken glass from the sides of the roads. MA has about $3000/year higher per capita income than NY and way lower income tax...and it shows in the houses, properties, road repairs, schools, etc. Better get some really tough Kevlar belted tires if you come over here! ;)

As Crankin says....Call Social Services or the police if you see toddlers running around in the street unsupervised at midnight.

[tulip]

Post deleted. Tulip obviously needs a long break from TE.

[Fredwina]

I got tele-fired a week ago:mad: been busy with apps since then, so maybe I 'll get something going, although it looks fairly certain that i'll need a new avatar soon as I won't be in SoCal (job takes me away or I can't afford to live here on may on my on UC)
I have an offer!:) But I have to relocate:(

[redrhodie]

Congratulations! How is the cycling in the new area? Maybe relocating will be good?

[Fredwina]

Congratulations! How is the cycling in the new area? Maybe relocating will be good?
will be doing a lot less ,as I'm going to Albany:eek: I'll trade you a recumbent for some xc skis;)

[Crankin]

Fredwina, there are tons of hills and good riding near Albany. Close to the Berkshires, too. Don't sell your bike.
Lisa lives pretty close to there! We stopped in Albany on the way to our tour a couple of weeks ago, and ate at an awesome Mexican restaurant in a very cool part of the city.
You will be able to x country ski, but please don't sell the bike.
And it's not too far to the Arcadian Shop in Lenox, MA. We had a TE gathering there a couple of years ago, splurging on Ibex during the winter sale.

[Biciclista]

hey Knott, which neighborhood (nearer to me) do you live in?

[KnottedYet]

hey Knott, which neighborhood (nearer to me) do you live in?

U district.

[crazycanuck]

How does a long term old injury become chronic?

*sniff*...I've been told that swimming's not coolio for my body for a while...poo...*sniff* :( I'm ok with it now & realize that if i want to be super active when i'm 70, it's probably a really good idea to listen to those giving me the info.. I wasn't ok with the info the other day but I sought clarification & understand the reasoning behind the info.

It's taking time for my sternum etc to settle..It's been challenging for me to accept that it's down to patience but there's so much else happening nutrition, weight (down!!) and uni wise that it's ok. I do miss the trails but I know they'll be there when my body's all coolio.

My friends & I are taking up bushwalking this summer :)

back to wanderlurking

[Biciclista]

ah you live near my DS #1

[Fredwina]

had to rob Peter to pay Paul(and am pretty broke), but with the economy, didn't want to turn down (The unemployment rate in the County i lived in in CA went down to 15%:eek:)
Will be reporting to work this AM. I have been advised to watch internet usage, so no post till evening.
Crankin, I do have a bike with me. I Thought that Lisa lived near here. may be a while before I do any riding. gotta find a place to live

[Biciclista]

Fredwina, Lisa does live sort of near there. I'll let her know you're in town

[Fredwina]

Fredwina, Lisa does live sort of near there. I'll let her know you're in town
Thank, I was wondering how she fared with the floods

[KnottedYet]

Thread title "haiku"

(these three were sequential on my "new post" search, honest!)

***

Constipation
The Runs of August
Looking for an Ultra Endurance Chamois Cream

[Crankin]

Oy
Ha, my message is too short.
OK.
Oy Vey

[indysteel]

It's official, ladies. I am no longer sporting braces on my teeth. I am, however, sporting some clunky retainers that make me sound like Cindy Brady. They took impressions today for another set of retainers that I can wear during the work day.

I'm pleased with the results. They would have been better if I'd opted for jaw surgery and not had teeth pulled, but it was an acceptable compromise at age 41.

I have a bag of whole raw almonds waiting for me at home. And some regular floss. I'm thrilled. :D (literally)

[Becky]

Hooray, Indy!

[Catrin]

Hip Hip Horray Indy, this is great news! Enjoy those almonds ;)

[Blueberry]

Yay Indy!! Congratulations!!

[Pax]

Indy - congrats!

Pardon my ignorance (I never wore braces), why haven't you been able to eat almonds?

[redrhodie]

Here you are....:D! I remember how weird it was to look in the mirror right after getting them off. You get used to the beautiful smile very soon. I still wear my retainer. I clean mine with Efferdent. I'm only saying that because my orthodontist had forgotten to mention it, so I was brushing mine at first, which is not good for it.

[snapdragen]

Awesome Indy!

I get mine in a month....I'm going with Invisalign

[Crankin]

Maybe I should try Efferdent on my Invisalign retainers. I can't get the damn things clean, even with Hydrogen Peroxide and toothpaste.

[OakLeaf]

Denture cleaner is what I always used on my night splint. Brushing just doesn't get into all the nooks and crannies.

It's great for bite valves, too...

[indysteel]

Denture cleaner is what I always used on my night splint. Brushing just doesn't get into all the nooks and crannies.

It's great for bite valves, too...

The ortho gave me some retainer cleaner, and we already have a giant box of denture cleaner for that purpose, so I'm covered. He suggested brushing the retainer daily and but didn't indicate how often to use the denture/retainer cleaner. Anybody know?

[OakLeaf]

I'd use that daily, too.

When I started out with only brushing mine, by the second or third day it smelled like something I really didn't want to put back in my mouth. :eek:

[indysteel]

I'd use that daily, too.

When I started out with only brushing mine, by the second or third day it smelled like something I really didn't want to put back in my mouth. :eek:

Eek. Daily it is.

[indysteel]

I love being a home owner in the current market. The appraisal for our refi came in $17k less than what we paid for the house in September of 2009. And that's notwithstanding that the house now has 25 new fiberglass windows that cost about $17k, too. We refied this time last year, without a hitch, but if we want to drop the interest on our 15-year mortgage down to under 4%, we're going to have to bring about $7k to the table to maintain sufficient equity.

Theoretically, I don't mind paying the mortgage down, but it still bites. The only bright spot in this is that from a monthly payment standpoint, we feel like we made a sound decision to buy what and where we did, but the loss in fair market value is depressing nevertheless as it makes us feel really chained to the house. We can't not fix the things that need fixing--many of which are costly--but it's sort of a black hole.

[Pax]

I feel ya Indy, we bought our house in June of '08, refied it the next year and the appraisal came in a little higher than we paid originally. We've put almost $40,000 into the house (new garage, driveway, roof) and we're looking at an equity bump in this market of a whole $8000. :mad:

[indysteel]

I feel ya Indy, we bought our house in June of '08, refied it the next year and the appraisal came in a little higher than we paid originally. We've put almost $40,000 into the house (new garage, driveway, roof) and we're looking at an equity bump in this market of a whole $8000. :mad:

Ugh. It's so depressing.

I'm going to try to get my hands on the appraisal to check for any obvious errors. I have a feeling I know why it dropped so much. The house immediately next door to us recently sold after being on the market for some time. I was a flip purchased from an estate sale for pennies. Another house had been on the market forever with some substantial price drops. The house itself was huge, and I have a feeling that there was something really wrong with it because they could hardly give it away. Ours, in contrast, has sold twice now in the last five or so years and, each time, was on the market for less than a month. It's a very attractive house and, unlike many of our neighbors, we have both a garage and a yard both of which add a lot of value since in our area most homes have neither.

[NbyNW]

Wow, Indy that's some crazy math.

Hopefully you will be there long enough for things to right themselves.

[Pax]

Ugh. It's so depressing.

I'm going to try to get my hands on the appraisal to check for any obvious errors. I have a feeling I know why it dropped so much. The house immediately next door to us recently sold after being on the market for some time. I was a flip purchased from an estate sale for pennies. Another house had been on the market forever with some substantial price drops. The house itself was huge, and I have a feeling that there was something really wrong with it because they could hardly give it away. Ours, in contrast, has sold twice now in the last five or so years and, each time, was on the market for less than a month. It's a very attractive house and, unlike many of our neighbors, we have both a garage and a yard both of which add a lot of value since in our area most homes have neither.
My brother purchased his house for $85,000 15 years ago and had a value of $175,000 four years ago.

His neighbor put his house on the market four years ago and it sat... for four years. It finally sold at auction for $25,000 (for a five bedroom Victorian house in decent shape), the new owner is a developer who promptly moved in 10 people with section 8 vouchers.

My brother had his house reappraised this summer to see if he could escape the hell that is his new reality... his house is now worth $75,000.

[indysteel]

Wow, Indy that's some crazy math.

Hopefully you will be there long enough for things to right themselves.

I just looked at the appraisal report. My only question is whether she had our square footage right. Beyond that, it is what it is. It's a grim reality.

I'll say this: If anybody is in the market to buy, do not do so unless and until you can put at least 20% down. I know you can still get loans with less money down, but I don't recommend them.

[Pax]

I just looked at the appraisal report. My only question is whether she had our square footage right. Beyond that, it is what it is. It's a grim reality.

I'll say this: If anybody is in the market to buy, do not do so unless and until you can put at least 20% down. I know you can still get loans with less money down, but I don't recommend them.

Our realtor told us recently (we were looking into condos), that condo loans can no longer be FHA, so finding qualified borrowers with 20% down for a conventional loan is becoming a huge challenge. Our best bet is to stay in our house until the market straightens out a bit. *sigh*

[indysteel]

Our realtor told us recently (we were looking into condos), that condo loans can no longer be FHA, so finding qualified borrowers with 20% down for a conventional loan is becoming a huge challenge. Our best bet is to stay in our house until the market straightens out a bit. *sigh*

I wonder why FHA is getting out of the condo market.

What scares me in my current home is our town is just rather small. Even during a "hot" period, I doubt a lot of homes were bought and sold. So, it will take that much longer for the market to recover. Ugh. I'm never going to get out of Franklin, Indiana. :(

The further irony in this: When bought the house, we could not talk the sellers down from their fantasy price. So, we made an offer that was contingent on the appraisal in that we agreed to pay up to a certain amount if the seller agreed to sell us the house down to a certain price. If the appaisal came in below that price, the seller had the option of walking, but he had to reimburse us for out of pockets. In making that offer, we had poured over the few available comps and felt that we knew what the house was "worth." This was right after the new appraisal rules had gone into effect, so we felt confident about how this would play out. As it turned out, the appraisal came back exactly--to the dollar--where we thought it would, and we got the house for exactly what we had offered in the first place (and the seller's had initialy rejected as "insulting."). Sometimes the comps work in your favor; sometimes they don't.

[bmccasland]

My house in Louisiana is for sale, and no-one has looked at it in over a month. At least it's rented out. But meanwhile, I'm stuck renting a house I don't want to stay in. For my sanity, I needed to leave my old office, but I hate being stuck with this current housing arrangement.

[KnottedYet]

I may b*tch and moan about how I want a house of my own, but actually I'm content being a renter right now.

I have no equity, but I'm not tied down to a money-sink either. I don't have my own dirt, but I can move if the neighborhood wanes or a better job beckons.

So, really, I shouldn't complain. :o

[indysteel]

I'd happily change places with you, Knott. I do think they got our square footage wrong, so I think we're going to challenge it. If we're successful, we might bump it by a $3-4k.

@Pax, I just saw your post about your brother. How awful. That really sickens me.

[Pax]

Thanks Indy, it's a pretty sad thing, we're all ten years or so from retirement and all of their plans are up in the air. I don't think any of us expected this.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I got a marriage proposal from my favorite elderly food pantry client today. I told him I suspected he just wanted me for my canned beans. We both cracked up. :D

[VeganBikeChick]

Along the lines of Knotted's post, I'm a renter, too and very ambivalent about it. I've yet to own a house and feel I'm lacking for doing so, yet I have the freedom to move anywhere. I go back and forth between wondering if I should have something with equity built up or be happy that I'm able to contribute to my savings account every month, while if I had a house I know $$ would be tight for me.

The grass isn't always greener, no matter what side you're on!

[NbyNW]

After dealing with foundation repairs last winter I'm no longer in love with the idea of being a homeowner, but I do love the home we currently own. Thankfully our neighborhood seems to have held its value, but if we move again for DH's work we plan to rent ... if we can find something that is dog-friendly. Real estate is just not a good investment right now, and why tie up your savings? There are so many other ways to stash and grow your nest egg.

[Crankin]

Ah, my son and DIL are looking for their first house. They have been approved for a first time buyer FHA loan, special program from the Commonwealth of MA. Condos are not excluded... he's looking at both single family, and condos.
Could this be a regional thing, based on the market? I was surprised they were approved for up to 325K, although he is looking at 250-275. He's seeing a lot of crap out there, and a bit discouraged.

[Pax]

I got a marriage proposal from my favorite elderly food pantry client today. I told him I suspected he just wanted me for my canned beans. We both cracked up. :D
LOL!!!



Ah, my son and DIL are looking for their first house. They have been approved for a first time buyer FHA loan, special program from the Commonwealth of MA. Condos are not excluded... he's looking at both single family, and condos.
Could this be a regional thing, based on the market? I was surprised they were approved for up to 325K, although he is looking at 250-275. He's seeing a lot of crap out there, and a bit discouraged.

It could be regional, here we have large numbers of unoccupied condos so their value has plummeted.

[Trek420]

It could be regional, here we have large numbers of unoccupied condos so their value has plummeted.

It is nationwide. It might be better or worse in some areas but nationwide.

IMHO condo values have plummeted and are sitting vacant in part because the entry level market now is a single family home.

Why would you pay HOA fees when you can get a single family home for the cost of a car? Do you really hate mowing the lawn that much?

I bought very low for the market at the time.

No matter how fairly I'd price my recently remodeled condo even if a buyer wants my condo (for the location, bikeable to BART, AMTRAC, trains, farm markets, indie coffeeeee, shopping, Bay trail, lots of green space to walk the doggeee, walkable to schools ...) I am being undercut by short sales and repos.

Thing is short sales and repos are sold as is; no inspection, gaurantees and often in pi$$ poor shape. But if you have the cash and construction skills to fix them up, replace the fixtures, appliances, counters and lights distressed desperate sellers rip out to sell when they leave (go tour a repo open house :() you can snap them up, fix and rent it out.

You'll need both, the cash and skills because banks are not lending. Therefore Pax's brothers neighbor, the investor with lots of ready cash to snap up deals in good or good enough shape to rent it out? That's the norm. America is for sale my friends.

Nothing's selling, nobody is flipping except me, I'm flipping out. :o But if anyone on TETD wants to rent a beautiful bikeable condo in the Bay area let me know.

[Pax]

My mom, honey, and I were having a conversation about this last weekend. None of us (especially my mom) EVER expected to be living like this, in an abysmal economy with no sign of it getting even a little bit better. None of us expected to be rich, but we did expect that a lifetime of work would allow us to live without the fear of losing everything. Guess I should have been a banker.

[NbyNW]

My mom, honey, and I were having a conversation about this last weekend. None of us (especially my mom) EVER expected to be living like this, in an abysmal economy with no sign of it getting even a little bit better. None of us expected to be rich, but we did expect that a lifetime of work would allow us to live without the fear of losing everything. Guess I should have been a banker.

Pax, I think very few professions are safe from the recession. Wall Street is a big scapegoat and rightfully so, but remember that a lot of rank-and-file to middle management in the financial sector lost their jobs in '07-'08, across the country (not just in financial centers). Many of the institutions that stayed afloat instituted hiring freezes, so they didn't necessarily absorb all of these new free agents. DH's company went through several rounds of layoffs and eventually went under. It was not pretty. Some people found other work, others are changing careers, and some are still hurting very badly. Some really excellent people have been out of work for far too long, and things are not looking better.

One of the few people I know who says she has weathered this pretty well is my hairdresser. People still need to look good when they are interviewing for jobs, sometimes they are coming every 6 weeks instead of 4. Her DH is a bartender and he has stayed busy. Guess people still need to blow off steam and drown their sorrows.

[Blueberry]

Why would you pay HOA fees when you can get a single family home for the cost of a car? Do you really hate mowing the lawn that much?

And you can pay someone to mow the grass and do lots of other stuff for way less than the condo dues....Condos here are still going reasonably well, though - lots of students who have parents with a LOT of money (and not a lot of sense...)

[Trek420]

lots of students who have parents with a LOT of money (and not a lot of sense...)

True, that. With my condo near several colleges/universities (Duck on Wheels was on loan from her institute of higher learning to UCB for close to a year. She biked to her office sometimes. On days off biked to favorite bird sanctuaries to do photography) in the past I might have sold to a parent wanting the sweet 4 year tax deduction rather than pay rent.

With the market now they'd better hope their student stays the full 4 in the same area, then a masters, go for a Phd ... on to be a TA ....:o

[Blueberry]

Trek -

Our market is lucky. It never went as high as CA, but it hasn't crashed. Some areas haven't lost value, a few are still appreciating. Days on the market are still not bad for good homes (the ones that are in bad shape sit there, and always would have).

Still....we're thinking of selling our home. Because - if things get worse (as I think they might well), who knows if we would remain stable. Real estate used to be safe - not so much anymore:(

[Pax]

Blueberry - we're in the same place, thinking about selling our home. Primarily because my SO's job is ending in November, she can make twice what I do so is looking at jobs around the country. Fortunately except for a tiny mortgage we're debt free, so if we end up staying here we can keep the house on my salary alone. It just puts her in a bad situation job/retirement wise.

[Crankin]

Condos are actually selling well here. Because, maybe, you can still buy one cheaper than a house. When the average price is 300K, things are different... of course you can get a condo much more expensive than 300K, but there aren't tons of empty ones sitting around.
I am surprised by all of the negativity. The unemployment rate here is better than the national average, but still at 6-7%. But, truthfully, I don't know anyone , really know, who has lost a job. I got a job within 2 weeks of graduating in my new career. My son got a new job in 2010, just a year ago. He's had raises and other good things happen. My DH's company (software) is doing the best it has ever done. They are giving everyone double their stakeholder shares (it's a privately held company). This isn't bragging, but, I think this economy thing is very field specific and also regional. All I can say, is that I am glad I left AZ. The foreclosure signs on every block were just depressing. But, I saw that bubble waiting to burst many years ago. There's more to life than endless summer.

[Blueberry]

Crankin-

Some industries have been hit harder than others. I've been either unemployed or significantly underemployed (or working in a nightmare of a job where I might or might not actually see my paycheck) since June of 2008. I'm well qualified and I've been working my butt off in the jobs I've had/been able to get and trying to find others.

[Crankin]

I understand this.
There are a lot of other people I graduated with, who are not employed. I decided to go on every interview I got and frankly, I am doing a type of therapy that is not what i want to do when I am done with my "residency," as I fondly call it. Given the fact that there aren't tons of options until one gets licensed, I decided the culture of the place I worked was the most important. And, I made a good choice. I love the flexibility of my job, and while I said I would "never" go into people's homes, I like it. I don't want to work with kids forever, but I do get work with the parents quite a bit; and it is filling in experience that I didn't get in my internships, where I was so focused on working with adults, because my previous career (teaching) was mostly with adolescents. I actually liked the work I did in my internship last year, better. But, my days go quickly and I can take 2 years of this.
I guess what I am saying is that compared to others I graduated with, I was not so picky in limiting myself to certain things. I want to get the licensing stuff done as soon as I can. It's not perfect. And the pay? Well, sometimes I hardly believe how much I made my last year of teaching. I'll never see that again, unless I open my own practice, and frankly, I'm not willing to do that.
The regional/industry specific thing is very true. Since I live in a place that focuses on health care, technology, and education, things are not so bad.

[Fredwina]

Busily practicing saying Rensselaer (ren-SEE-lear)
I now what everyone is saying - I've probably lost all my furniture with this move, but I'm working and liking Upstate so far, even though I 'm fairly broke for the next week or so (Had to get an advance just to get a place)
Work is doing good - we're actually in a old Grant's department store - i'm two miles away from work
God - this past month has been too crazy!

[KnottedYet]

CrazyCanuck - take a look at the Google logo for French google today: it's a memorial to Freddy Mercury.

Here's an animation of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX2BQM0D01M

[bmccasland]

CrazyCanuck - take a look at the Google logo for French google today: it's a memorial to Freddy Mercury.

Here's an animation of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX2BQM0D01M

Pooh, all I got was the regular Google page. But the youtube video was cool.

[KnottedYet]

Try http://www.google.fr/ It's still up right now. Probably won't be after midnight their time.

[OakLeaf]

The "enhanced" page titles don't make it onto Google's secure site(s), either, so if you're using HTTPS Everywhere or another method of forcing secure login, you won't see the page.

Maybe you have a particular browser set aside for those "guilty" insecure pleasures. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have a few friends who have lost their jobs, and many of my other friends are making less money now than they used to. Some who lost good jobs are now working at jobs for only a portion of their previous salary. Almost every business owner on main street in my town says they are struggling because people are spending less. Our silent food pantry, which had plenty of food on the shelves two years ago and even last year, now looks half empty at any given time for the past several months- donations and supplies are still coming in like before, but the number of clients is rising steadily, and it's now hard to keep enough food stocked to go around for everyone.
The effects of the recession are plain to see in my town.

[KnottedYet]

I blame Wal*Mart and Wall Street.
And the sheeple who handed them the power to f*ck us over.

"Oh, yes please beloved chain store, sell me that widget made in China for $2.93 rather than that one at the local independent hardware store made in Ohio for $3.50. I save and every one wins!" "Oh, yes please, give me that house loan for 1% down and adjustable interest! I can get that house immediately without being forced to have stable personal finances and everyone wins!" "I get what I want, and someone else will take care of it! Because everyone wins and Santa Claus is watching out for us!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKv6RcXa2UI

Of course, I had to learn from a European media that the recently touted Martin Luther King Jr. monument was made in China, and assembled in the US by Chinese workers brought to Washington DC to do the work. Truly, I find this deeply shameful. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8715823/Martin-Luther-King-memorial-made-in-China.html

[Trek420]

And .... it has shall we say an editorial error in it. Not spelling or even grammar but kind of like the oddly worded imported t'shirt something is wrong. One word makes a big difference. Carved in granite, oopsie :rolleyes: :

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/maya-angelou-says-memorial-makes-mlk-look-arrogant-153930799.html


The effects of the recession are plain to see in my town.

They are plain all around and likely here for a long time. Thanks BSG for what you and your food pantry do.

[Crankin]

I truly was not trying to sound unfeeling. This is an article that was in the paper a day or so after I made my above post.

http://articles.boston.com/2011-09-06/bostonglobe/30119827_1_economic-sunshine-charter-schools-massachusetts

In the past, Massachusetts has lagged years behind the national economy in recovery, so I guess this is our turn.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Crankin, it's funny, but whenever we cross the border from NY and drive through Mass (which is very often, we are right near it and have family and friends in eastern MA), we see a huge difference immediately. The roads are repaired, bridges painted, houses and lawns well maintained, even the cars look newer. We can't help but notice this, it's always kind of obvious. Not that there aren't places in MA suffering from the recession, mind you. :o

[OakLeaf]

You see that when you cross county and even sometimes township lines in Ohio.

Total speculation, but I wonder if more things are funded on a state level in Massachusetts, so there's more of a cushion and everyone shares the pain a little more equally???

[Owlie]

Oak, check your post count. ;) I wonder that too--MA probably has a larger tax base than does Ohio, too.

I'm pretty sure we're all screwed. I've been e-mailing back and forth with one of my former professors (who wrote a couple of recommendation letters) for me. He asked why I wasn't in a PhD program--it's because the grant situation is so bad that no one is willing to spend money on people who they don't know or who aren't science rock stars. It's going to get worse before it gets better. And people whine about the US "falling behind."

[NbyNW]

They don't call it Taxachusetts for nuthin'. :p

Maybe MA also had someone on the congressional transportation committee for a while? That could help, too.

[Fredwina]

It was great - about 45 minutes - same as the bus -plus got in some exercise.
And I got my debit card from Cal EDD - i'm rich! :rolleyes:

[Crankin]

I hate to tell you, but that Taxachusetts label went out the window several years ago. There have been several studies that show we are not up there in the top anymore. It is also a figure that can be calculated several ways. Besides, I get suspicious of anyone who complains about taxes. Really, how do people think we pay for roads, schools, public safety? New Hampshire brags about no income tax, but their property taxes make mine look like nothing. And they still don't have public school kindergarten.
I am not sure how much the state compares to others in the percentage that it contributes to different things. My only basis of comparison is public universities. Ours get almost no state support, due the the prevalent belief that you are a moron if you go to one :). Despite this, my older son got a stellar education at U Mass Amherst. But, when I look at my alumni magazine from ASU, I see billions of dollars in new construction, lots of new majors, and the university really being engaged in the community. How does a state that has a 50% foreclosure rate and high unemployment do this?
And, outside of eastern MA, maybe starting ten miles from where I live, it's really rural, except for 2 smaller cities that are terminally economically depressed. So, I am not sure how large our population is compared to Ohio. Most of the population is within a very small area.
Oak, we see the same variation from town to town here, too. In fact, it is stark. We have 351 cities and towns and none of them want to give up their own unique identity, in order to share resources. We have counties, but in name only.
I think the difference this time, as opposed to the recessions in 2000 and the early nineties (which I was here for) is that now, our economy, which is driven by health care, education, and technology, is just in the right spot at the right time. Before, these industries were losing jobs and we lost a huge manufacturing base. But, that happened a long time ago and it's never coming back. And, we are tolerant...

[crazycanuck]

*sigh* i'm having one of those "will rehabbing this injury ever end :(" days..Somedays i'm totally cool with it...others..

I had a bone scan(no new trauma, just same area still inflamed) & saw the sports dr specialist the other day n was told no super duper activity (besides the core work, walking & stairs i've been doing) for at least another 3 months. I'm not even sure I want to take the normal anti inflams nor the natural ones (nalgesic) as I know this is going to take time to heal. I didn't rehabilitate the injury properly the first time as I had no clue. My knee was the main body part that was the focus of rehabbing...I had no idea a dislocated SC joint would come back to haunt me this way...

I'm the cause of my own circle..as soon as things feel like they've really improved, I go out and test my body a bit (no not by cycling or swimming but a very very short walk on hard sand) & find out that that wasn't such a good idea. Nothing like doing a long walk & getting searing pains through your collarbones...!

I have to carry my food w me to uni as i've changed my diet & that will have to change. I'm borrowing a business briefcase trolley from a friend so i can remove the pressure from my shoulders. I have one of those portable shopping bag trolleys for groceries etc. I even purchased a waist hydration pack as carrying a water bottle doesn't work either...

The worst thing...I hate being a "cager" :( & when I can get back into cycling, I won't feel as guilty...

Anywho, I just needed to get this off my chest..:o

[ultraviolet]

But, when I look at my alumni magazine from ASU, I see billions of dollars in new construction, lots of new majors, and the university really being engaged in the community. How does a state that has a 50% foreclosure rate and high unemployment do this?


Athletics. College football and men's basketball are cash cows, especially in the big conferences like the PAC-12. And they have to keep making bigger, shinier, more impressive facilities and programs to keep pace in the recruiting game, to make sure they keep the money rolling in from the marquee athletic programs.

[Crankin]

Yup, this has to be the answer. And you know what? I'd rather have the shabby 70's era concrete buildings than the glitz of Sun Devil football...

[Owlie]

Yeah, but OSU has a huge football (and other stuff, but people only really care about the football!) program too, and while I confess I haven't looked recently, there certainly isn't the investment in new construction (maybe they're waiting for another building to burn down? :p) or much else. I realize it's subject to space constraints more than ASU might be (it sounds like it's trying to take over the whole of Tempe).
Ohio's public universities don't seem to get a whole lot of state funding either, and even our in-state tuition is pretty high for what you get. ASU's in-state tuition is next to nothing. UA's is pretty low too--even their graduate tuition is low. Out-of-state tuition, however, is insane. (I was considering doing a master's degree there, but that would have necessitated my moving there for a year and working to qualify for in-state tuition.)

Of course, I went to a university that was only vaguely aware that it had a football team (or any other team, for that matter), so what do I know? :o

[Crankin]

U Mass has high tuition, too. They fool people by stating a "tuition" amount that is low, but you actually pay about 7K in fees in addition to the "tuition," which is the real tuition.
I went to ASU when it cost 130.00 a semester for in state students! I think my first Master's degree cost me less than 1500.00. However, I didn't think that U of A's prices were that high for out of state students. My younger son went there for a year, and I think the tuition was only about 5K more than we were paying for the other one at U Mass as an in state student. It was also much less than CU for an out of state student.
It's all relative. Most of my friends paid 40-50K a year to send their kids to college and for some (Tufts, BU), that was just the tuition, not including room and board.

[Owlie]

Grad school tuition is quite a bit higher. ;)

My alma mater was private and cost about $43000 a year (averaged over the 4 years I was there, total cost of attendance). (I justify the cost by saying I would have gone absolutely insane at Ohio State.) Some of that was taken care of by scholarships, though.

Speaking of athletics, my current institution just built/is in the process of completing a sports complex, while cutting faculty and staff positions. I know someone gave a bunch of money for this, but why not use it for educational purposes? It's not like this place is an athletic powerhouse!

[spokewench]

Grad school tuition is quite a bit higher. ;)

My alma mater was private and cost about $43000 a year (averaged over the 4 years I was there, total cost of attendance). (I justify the cost by saying I would have gone absolutely insane at Ohio State.) Some of that was taken care of by scholarships, though.

Speaking of athletics, my current institution just built/is in the process of completing a sports complex, while cutting faculty and staff positions. I know someone gave a bunch of money for this, but why not use it for educational purposes? It's not like this place is an athletic powerhouse!

Usually, university money is just like government money, actually for state universities, it is government money! Anyway, it's because the money is earmarked either by a vote or by a donor; so they use it for what it is earmarked for; not what might be in the best interest.

[Owlie]

Usually, university money is just like government money, actually for state universities, it is government money! Anyway, it's because the money is earmarked either by a vote or by a donor; so they use it for what it is earmarked for; not what might be in the best interest.


Yeah, I know. I'm really questioning the donor's intent...why not donate money for classroom space or a scholarship or something, instead?

[spokewench]

Yeah, I know. I'm really questioning the donor's intent...why not donate money for classroom space or a scholarship or something, instead?

Maybe because they love football or sport as much as you love cycling? It is hard to determine donor's intent. Some just want their name on a building:

[Owlie]

Maybe because they love football or sport as much as you love cycling? It is hard to determine donor's intent. Some just want their name on a building:

True. At my alma mater, if someone wanted their name on a building, the university would use the money to build a glass enclosure between two buildings and put a sign up! Granted, this created some useful (if chilly) study space, but really?

[Dogmama]

College athletics is also a great place to advertise. Having your name on the scoreboard, basketball floor, etc., gets noticed.

[Nanci]

Hi! I was here looking for a ride report- filling in my time line on Facebook. Thought I'd say hi!! Miss you guys...

[KnottedYet]

Hi! I was here looking for a ride report- filling in my time line on Facebook. Thought I'd say hi!! Miss you guys...

NANCI!!! NANCI!!!! NANCI!!!!!!!!!

:D:p:D:p:D:p:D:p:D

[Nanci]

Hi! I'm _not_ riding right now. I'm patio-building and raising snake babies. I feel like I want to get on my bike again, but the bike shop I like went out of business, and she needs some work done, like mainly re-taping the bars. Blah...
I got really into competitive shooting, too.

[Biciclista]

Hi Nanci nice to see you stopping by. My grand snake has gotten larger but doesn't have much sense.
Find another bike shop!

[Crankin]

Hey, good to see you, Nanci.
Yeah, find another shop. You know you want to.

[snapdragen]

Tell us about the snake babies! I love all your critter stories.

[Trek420]

Nanci!!! Nanci!!!! Nanci!!!!!!!!!

[Nanci]

Look at my website!! (http://snickersnakes.com) It pretty much tells the story of my 2011 breeding season. I hatched two, well three I guess, really incredible babies. Plus the cutest little kinked baby ever, Krinkle. Krinkle just went to work with me last week so I could x-ray him, just out of curiosity. Three people who have never held a snake before held him. Who could be afraid of a little 7 gram crippled pink snake??

Fort Tort is out of control. I wonder if I can get a picture of the whole thing. I'll try! I have the Water Garden, and this spring I built a bog garden around two sides of it. I've got my little swimming pool, so I can dive in when I'm having hotflashes (love that...) I've super-expanded the patio, and just finished building a path connecting it to the house.

You know how Facebook (or The Devil as we call it at cornsnakes.com :-) is rolling out the new profile features next week, Friday maybe, including the Timeline? I discovered that if you become a Facebook developer (super easy, just Google it) you can have the Timeline early. So for a week I've been working on adding stuff to it.

So, I have about 80 snakes now, counting babies for sale and a lot that are herre on breeding loans. The two pigeons, Dill and Milly. My pitbull Bella. Isabel the bearded dragon. A couple other lizards. Fish and frogs outside.

[Pax]

... I got really into competitive shooting, too.

Woo hoo!! Whatcha shooting???

[Nanci]

S&W .22 in "Urban Cowboy" (cowboy action for people just shooting a .22) and Steel Plate, which is a one on one triple elimination whoever knocks down 10 plates on two racks plus one stop target wins that round. I pretty much love it.

[Biciclista]

so what did Krinkle's xray look like? a break or what?
the majority of your snakes are corn snakes? Who knew they had so many colors!

[Pax]

S&W .22 in "Urban Cowboy" (cowboy action for people just shooting a .22) and Steel Plate, which is a one on one triple elimination whoever knocks down 10 plates on two racks plus one stop target wins that round. I pretty much love it.

That is fun stuff! I shot on the Sheriffs Dept. team back in the day, takes lots of time and effort to "get good" but well worth it.

[Fredwina]

well there was one unexpected consquence of my move : my writing:confused:
I used to write on the train trip home(about 45 min). bit harder now that I'm walking (45 min) or taking the bus (1o min with about 10 min of walking).
Probably need to establish a set time - will be easier as I get more settled (busy filling out furn. lease apps).
Nanci - great to see you back - same with CC - Hang in there.
Ps. I wuz evil and changed my avatar - having a pic of rt 66 in the desert while living in Upstate NY didn't make sense;)

[Trek420]

I'm meeting with my property manager today to sign the papers and formulate a plan to get my condo rented. She's very experienced, comes recommended by a friend.

[NbyNW]

Best of luck, Trek -- a good property manager can be invaluable. Ours not only found us good tenants, but also helped locate and reunite us with items that did not make it onto the moving truck :eek: and coordinated/oversaw repairs when our foundation leaked.

[Trek420]

omg, omg, omg I'm a land lord. Yes she's very experienced, very direct ("this is what kind of disaster can happen, this is how we cover you, you need to anticipate this possibility, we do this"), covers all the bases.

I like her staff (one full time employee and her husband). She came well recommended by a friend I've known a long time in Aikido. Now I need to clean as I've never cleaned before. :rolleyes: and a lot of other stuff. Forms to get, insurance to call ...

[salsabike]

well there was one unexpected consquence of my move : my writing:confused:
I used to write on the train trip home(about 45 min). bit harder now that I'm walking (45 min) or taking the bus (1o min with about 10 min of walking).
Probably need to establish a set time - will be easier as I get more settled (busy filling out furn. lease apps).
Nanci - great to see you back - same with CC - Hang in there.
Ps. I wuz evil and changed my avatar - having a pic of rt 66 in the desert while living in Upstate NY didn't make sense;)

You are living in my home town! Hope you have warm winter clothing...:)

[Crankin]

My older son is 29 today. It really doesn't seem possible!
The day he was born had an auspicious start. We were pulled over by the AHP on I-10, at 6:30 AM on a Saturday morning, for speeding, to get to the hospital. I was hemorrhaging and the cop said, "Take her to county hospital!" None of the, "I'll give you an escort, follow me," when we told him we were headed to a different hospital. DH just put the car in drive and sped off.
When we got there, as we walked into the elevator, a guy pushing one of those food carts with all of the trays, rammed it into my back and legs. Just barely, but enough for me to scream, "Get f***ed!"
He's turned out to be a great person, despite this!

[Fredwina]

You are living in my home town! Hope you have warm winter clothing...:)
Yes, I made sure it made the trip, although I'll need to make a Boscov's run or two.
I'll have furniture tomorrow afternoon!
Now, I need to try out my new shoes

[Crankin]

OK, I bit the bullet and joined a gym, after 2 years of doing all my other exercise besides outdoor stuff at home.
I went to a "body bar and ball" class this AM.
Oy. It is exactly what i want, but I had to concentrate on not fainting. I kept thinking, "if you can climb 18% grades and ride for 65 miles, you can do this." It was a combo of weights, push ups, sit ups, stuff with bands, and more weights on the ball. A couple of balance things I definitely need to work up to.
Twice a week of this should get me in shape quite quickly. I hope I can ride tomorrow. In fact, I hope I'll be able to walk.

[Dogmama]

Oy. It is exactly what i want, but I had to concentrate on not fainting. I kept thinking, "if you can climb 18% grades and ride for 65 miles, you can do this." It was a combo of weights, push ups, sit ups, stuff with bands, and more weights on the ball. A couple of balance things I definitely need to work up to.
Twice a week of this should get me in shape quite quickly. I hope I can ride tomorrow. In fact, I hope I'll be able to walk.

I'm always surprised at that stuff too. Be sure to report in!

[Crankin]

Really hurt when I got up, not as bad now. It's all in my biceps, triceps, and chest, and a little in my hamstrings.
I am going to go out for a slow 16 mile ride in about an hour. It's kind of cold and cloudy, but I can't stand the thought of going to the gym 2 days in a row!

[crazycanuck]

:) I've lost exactly 10kgs :D

[Crankin]

The 16 mile ride was painful.
Today's class was even worse. Thankfully, the instructor was a sub. I kept saying to myself, "Don't faint, you'll be in the police log." I was not exactly able to do planks, both forward and side lying, after 3,000 triceps/biceps sets, and push ups on the step.
Am I that weak? None of the other people in there look particularly strong. Well, at least I did better than the very out of shape looking person. And the instructor was in my face, giving corrections, when everyone else had terrible form. I am just too aware of what I would have done, when I was teaching. At one point, I told her to shut up, but she didn't (thankfully) hear me. I was just crazed with pain and agony.

[Dogmama]

At one point, I told her to shut up, but she didn't (thankfully) hear me.

Did that to a spin instructor who wouldn't shut up - giving correction after correction after correction. Not fun.

[Fredwina]

well , speaking of hometown, I got a notice from the Rensselaer County board of elections. Now I have to figure out who to vote for. found a regular time to write, so thing are settling down:o

[bmccasland]

:) I've lost exactly 10kgs :D

Congratulations!!!

[Crankin]

OK, I didn't feel like fainting at the gym this morning.
But, it was still hard as hell.

[Trek420]

OK, I didn't feel like fainting at the gym this morning.
But, it was still hard as hell.

Sounds about right.

Taking a copy of the keys to the property manager. I don't know how I'll get the condo staged and ready for its close up since I've got broncopneumonia but I think can do it.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh Trek, feel better and rest as much as you can.

WTG CC! That's a milestone for sure.

Crankin, I literally felt like fainting for about four miles of Sunday's half. Starting to get the beginning of tunnel vision, wondering whether I should stop, the whole deal. Too much breakfast, I'm pretty sure. Stupid rookie mistake - the bowl I've used to pack breakfast for prior races was dirty, so I used a bowl of a different size and shape, and misjudged the amount I put in it. :rolleyes:

The trick is knowing when you're actually going to faint and when it just feels like it!

[marni]

OK, I didn't feel like fainting at the gym this morning.
But, it was still hard as hell.

time to start worrying about your sanity when you start looking forward to it.

congrats on perservering.

marni

[Crankin]

Not sure if I look forward to it, but I have noticed how much my attitude has changed toward the types of exercise I do. Before I started cycling, about 11 years ago, I did all of my exercise at the gym, save for some walking. Now, I see people there, walking on the treadmill, and I think, why don't you just go outside? The group of women who are there in the very early AM, like me, in the strength class, go every AM, and do spin on some of the days. It's still nice enough for riding! Yesterday, when the instructor was a little late, I said to one, gee, if she doesn't show up, I'll be pissed, I could have gone on a ride. Maybe I am weird for riding in the dark at 5:30 AM, in the cold, but I'd rather do that for 12 miles than be cooped up inside. Of course, when the snow flies, or it's raining I will do spin, but I'll also be outside x country skiing/snow shoeing.
I just want my body to stay strong and try to stave off the effects of aging.

[Catrin]

... Of course, when the snow flies, or it's raining I will do spin, but I'll also be outside x country skiing/snow shoeing.
I just want my body to stay strong and try to stave off the effects of aging.

You are my hero...well everyone here is :) I need to ramp my exercise back up. I've not been able to ride much during the week recently and I can tell the difference. I have been strength training at least twice a week, and went to a couple of spinning classes when the weather was bad or my schedule didn't allow me to ride outside...but I can tell the difference in how my clothes fit and the scales slowly creeping up a bit.

I will take up hiking this winter, and if we get enough snow I will try snow shoeing. My favorite park rents them so that is easy to try. So time to turn things up a bit - thank you for encouraging me by your example!

[Crankin]

I haven't been riding as much, either, but I am not sure if it's really less than last year. Probably just one less longer type ride during the week. But, I am feeling like I am ready to wind down a bit. Getting the new bike at this time of year has ramped up my "mojo" a bit, but once I hit 2500 miles, my enthusiasm goes down. It's as regular as clockwork every year. I am not as close to 3,000K as I was last year at this point, and it's because I am working :). My choice. I have to keep reminding myself what happened when I quit teaching. Bad for my mental health...
Problem is, all of a sudden, my weight is also creeping up. Really just a couple of pounds, but I know what will happen if I don't catch it now.
You will love snow shoeing, Catrin. Plus, you get to wear all of that merino wool and winter gear that you can also wear cycling or hiking.

[Catrin]

Thankfully I can wear my thermal tights under my jeans and be all toasty warm ;)

My goal for this year was 3,000 miles. Of course, I made that goal before I discovered mountain biking - and I've spent so much time learning and ramping my skills in that area up that my weekends have revolved around that rather than long rides since say, July. My mileage for this year not counting the mountain bike is right at 2,000. I would be upset about that if last winter hadn't been so long/hard, and we lost much of the spring riding to rain...and I was coming back from last year's injuries.

I hear you about putting on a couple of extra pounds, I am about 5 pounds heavier than this time last year and that has got to change. Time to really clamp down on my diet (I've gotten a little lazy) and have a wider range of exercise.



I haven't been riding as much, either, but I am not sure if it's really less than last year. Probably just one less longer type ride during the week. But, I am feeling like I am ready to wind down a bit. Getting the new bike at this time of year has ramped up my "mojo" a bit, but once I hit 2500 miles, my enthusiasm goes down. It's as regular as clockwork every year. I am not as close to 3,000K as I was last year at this point, and it's because I am working :). My choice. I have to keep reminding myself what happened when I quit teaching. Bad for my mental health...
Problem is, all of a sudden, my weight is also creeping up. Really just a couple of pounds, but I know what will happen if I don't catch it now.
You will love snow shoeing, Catrin. Plus, you get to wear all of that merino wool and winter gear that you can also wear cycling or hiking.

[Crankin]

Eating my words again.
Just came back from a step and conditioning class. Now, remember, I used to teach these kinds of classes. The instructor was one I had had in the strength class, so when she asked if anyone was new, I said, well, not "new, new," but I hadn't taken a step class in 5 years and I was embarrassed to say I used to be an instructor, because I was afraid I might trip and fall. She tried to recruit me! I quickly said, oh, well, I let my certification lapse... to which she replied," Oh we can fix that." Well, anyway, the class was crowded and HOT. They had the back door open and lots of fans. But, it still invoked my "Oh my God, I feel like crap state." I modified by not doing the arms as much when I was stepping, to bring the intensity down. I know it's the heat, because I have induced this state when I run at home on the treadmill, and I don't turn the extra room AC on in my loft. Happy to say that I had no trouble with the steps, as her routine was straight forward and not dance-like. My muscle memory for this must be really ingrained. The only time i missed a cue was when I couldn't hear her... no mikes here. There was a lot of strength work/intervals, and at one point, we had to sit down right after an intense step interval and I knew my HR was too high to plop down on the floor... I just went and got my water bottle and took a break for a minute. So, based on my experience from last week, if I keep going, it will get better. I hope it's not age or worse making me feel weird, but I guess it's more of "you're in shape for what you do." I can regulate my temperature much more outside.
I am not ready for the "senior fitness" class :eek:.

[Dogmama]

Eating my words again.

I am not ready for the "senior fitness" class :eek:.

You mean silver sneakers?:D

Crankin, you're doing good! Hang in there!

[indysteel]

I think we've found a home for our stray cats. A coworker's well-to-do in-laws own a horse farm just north of Indy. They usually have a handful of stable/barn cats that they care for. They keep their food and water in a heated tack room where the cats are free to hang out. Because the in-laws are retired and in and out of the stable most of the day, the cats end up getting a lot of attention. Plus, even when they travel, there are caretakers present for the horses who also take care of the cats. Plus, they're just animal people--which is nice.

My only concern (and it's a big one) is relocating the cats. The strays are not feral per se. They're too well socialized for that. I think with a readily available food source and lots of attention, they should adapt just fine. Frankly, it's a chance I think we're just going to have to take, especially with winter bearing down on us.

So, fingers crossed. I'm sure going to miss them, but this is for the best. While we have shelter for them for the winter, a heated environment would be better. I'd rather they were indoor cats, but so far, I don't have any takers for that.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Crankin, I am noticing a definite slow trend in myself as I get older- I get exhausted more quickly if I'm hot. The heat in summer is more debilitating for me than it used to be. I also notice I can balance a little less well. I'm fairly active and I'm healthy, so I'm guessing it's one of those little things about getting older. :cool:

[OakLeaf]

y'know, in the Silver Sneakers classes they make a big deal about training the sense organs and muscles that provide balance. :cool:

Seriously, if you're not doing any specific stabilization exercises, those are more and more important as we all get older ...

[Crankin]

Actually, my balance is better than it has ever been. It's not good, but before I started seriously exercising and riding, it was awful. For me, it's fine. I mean, I didn't learn to ride until I was 10 and I couldn't skip until I was 12 or so.
I've never been to a gym where they have a class called "silver sneakers." Seriously, I'd rather die. When I went to sign up at this place, it was around 4:30 in the afternoon and there was a core/strength class going on, that's a bit less intensive than the one I've been doing. It was all older women, but they *looked* old. I can't go at that time, anyway, but I guess I'm one of those people who is just like in the song; I think I'll die before I get old.
Rest day tomorrow; usually I would go to the strength class, but there was so much of that in the step class today, I've had 2 days in a row of weights and no rest. And, I rode yesterday, too.

[marni]

Actually, my balance is better than it has ever been. It's not good, but before I started seriously exercising and riding, it was awful. For me, it's fine. I mean, I didn't learn to ride until I was 10 and I couldn't skip until I was 12 or so.
I've never been to a gym where they have a class called "silver sneakers." Seriously, I'd rather die. When I went to sign up at this place, it was around 4:30 in the afternoon and there was a core/strength class going on, that's a bit less intensive than the one I've been doing. It was all older women, but they *looked* old. I can't go at that time, anyway, but I guess I'm one of those people who is just like in the song; I think I'll die before I get old.
Rest day tomorrow; usually I would go to the strength class, but there was so much of that in the step class today, I've had 2 days in a row of weights and no rest. And, I rode yesterday, too.

ah crankin,past the age of 25 or so being young and perky, nobody save the the diva queen of the gym looks good or young if they are truely working out. Then there is the "getting older exercise induced rhinitis" that affects all of us.

Getting old is not for cowards.

marni

[Crankin]

Exercise induced rhinitis?
First time I've heard of that. Now I know why Flonase is my friend.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Seriously, if you're not doing any specific stabilization exercises, those are more and more important as we all get older ...

My essential stabilization exercises usually involve playing a banjo. :)
At least I'm helping to prevent Alzheimers that way, right?
Seriously though- I have a real hard time fitting everything into my schedule these days, and I always have to give up one thing to fit in another. I confess I never can do all the things i 'should' be doing....but it all keeps me active for sure.

[OakLeaf]

I'm sure playing a banjo standing on one foot, swinging the banjo all around, is very difficult and great for your ankles and hips! :D


That's actually a really easy way to incorporate stability work into daily activities. Anything you'd be doing standing, from washing dishes to brushing your teeth, stand on one foot. Extra credit for hanging laundry standing on one foot. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm sure playing a banjo standing on one foot, swinging the banjo all around, is very difficult and great for your ankles and hips! :D
That's actually a really easy way to incorporate stability work into daily activities. Anything you'd be doing standing, from washing dishes to brushing your teeth, stand on one foot. Extra credit for hanging laundry standing on one foot. :D

lol! Well I can't play the banjo while doing that.... but I forgot to mention that I also do some very energetic contra dancing about twice a month for 3 hours each time. Lots of twirling, dodging, stomping, weaving, and hopping around....so I guess that counts as good balance practice. But still...my sense of balance is not as good as it was 15 years ago. sigh....

[Crankin]

Wow, I am not sure I could do that dancing.
I was happy I could do the steps in the step class and there were other, much younger people than me who were not able to follow.
Thankfully, that muscle memory seems to be well ingrained. And now , 3 days later, my calves are still screaming.

[Trek420]

Still recovering from the bug but good enough to take an extra long walk with the mutt. We stopped and took pictures of nearby parks, tennis courts, baseball field. I have to compete with condos which may have pools, a gym. I want the proerty manager to put those in the ad that tennis etc is right next door.

[Crankin]

My calves are still hurting me and now all of my "injury prone" parts are acting up. Not making me want to go out on a long ride.
Ugh. Sometimes I think it's not worth being fit :).
Got the compression things on my calves again, stretching, and hoping my back feels better, too. Thinking I feel like a massage.

[crazycanuck]

:eek: Holy Sheep batman that was a Rugby World Cup final to be remembered...:eek:

*phew* We had a hard time watching the last 10min...but in the end NZ won :D

YAY!!!

[OakLeaf]

Well as long as we're on sports, RIP Marco Simoncelli. That's the most shocking news I've woken up to in a long time, and I'm just reeling.



ETA: and just in case anyone might mistake it, obviously I understand that Sico's death is inconsequential in the scale of the world. I meant shocking in terms of the combination of sudden, unexpected, happening in a horrific manner, and directly impacting people a few of whom I know personally and many of whom I've at least spoken to or been in the same room with, in a sport I follow and enjoy.

[KnottedYet]

Info for anyone who may not know who Marco Simoncelli is: http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/Red-Bull-MotoGP-Sepang-021243108923484

[Trek420]

:eek: Holy Sheep batman that was a Rugby World Cup final to be remembered...:eek:

*phew* We had a hard time watching the last 10min...but in the end NZ won :D

YAY!!!

I saw the start ... and the end. I can't find film of the haka at this game yet but boy howdy if I was the opponent and saw this I'd run. :rolleyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUSoJb7m2dk&feature=related

[Catrin]

I saw the start ... and the end. I can't find film of the haka at this game yet but boy howdy if I was the opponent and saw this I'd run. :rolleyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUSoJb7m2dk&feature=related

WOW, that was pure testosterone! So did they win? I also note the lack of padding and protective armor, I don't know anything about Rugby but I am quite sure I would be running with you!

[Trek420]

Right; no padding, gloves or helmets, none of this run for 5 seconds and go to the sidelines to suck oxygen, no "the defense looks tired but they've been out there nearly the whole quarter", no half time break that I could see ...

And the women's team:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDmJhCTD4Ao&feature=related

[Owlie]

Right; no padding, gloves or helmets, none of this run for 5 seconds and go to the sidelines to suck oxygen, no "the defense looks tired but they've been out there nearly the whole quarter", no half time break that I could see ...

And the women's team:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDmJhCTD4Ao&feature=related

LOL! My father likes to say that American football is like rugby for nancies. :rolleyes:

[crazycanuck]

The US has a rugby team & was represented at this year's event & in the same pool as Australia & Ireland...http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

Yes, NZ won :D...barely but they won!!! I had two very frightened gents watching it with me & I didn't want to have to console them..again!!!

Actually, some of the rugby players do wear a bit of padding but not much!!! It's a hard man's sport & there's a reason many of the players don't really have much of a neck..

Another cool thing..the Silver Ferns(NZ women's netball team) beat the Australians last night!!! http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10761227

[Pax]

I played rugby in college, great sport!

[solobiker]

My friend broke his hip a few years ago playing Rugby. He is only 41 years old. Yikes:eek:

[Pax]

My friend broke his hip a few years ago playing Rugby. He is only 41 years old. Yikes:eek:

I got invited to the Old Girls tournament, where alums play the current team. Went to watch and got asked if I wanted to play, looked at the girl who asked and busted out laughing "honey, I'm 51 years old, you gals would break me in half in the first scrum". :p:D:p:D

[Pax]

My honey accepted a job offer this morning!!!!!!

This means NO MOVE, we get to stay in our cute little affordable house, I don't have to hunt for a new job someplace else, and we have as much financial security as anyone could ask for. I'm so relieved I could cry.

[indysteel]

My honey accepted a job offer this morning!!!!!!

This means NO MOVE, we get to stay in our cute little affordable house, I don't have to hunt for a new job someplace else, and we have as much financial security as anyone could ask for. I'm so relieved I could cry.

That's awesome, Pax! Congrats to both of you!!!

[jobob]

Excellent news Pax!

[maillotpois]

Great news Pax! (And moto plans....? ;))

[Pax]

Great news Pax! (And moto plans....? ;))

Oh yeah!! We're both looking to buy new in the Spring. :D

[maillotpois]

Yay!

[Trek420]

Congrats to Pax and Pax-honey!!

[VeganBikeChick]

Yay Pax!!

[OakLeaf]

Yay Pax!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Congratulations Pax and Pax-honey!

[Pax]

Thanks everyone, sure is a happier home this week. :D

[Owlie]

Yay Pax and Pax-honey!

DBF just bought his plane tickets to come see me. I'd rather go see him, but I have to stay here and be a lab monkey. Counting down until December...

[indysteel]

I just sent an email to Indycog, a cycling advocacy group in the cith that works with the mayor's office with respect to bike commuting and its infrastructure. I happen to park every day in a federal employee lot that interfaces with one of the bike lanes in downtown Indy. My fellow employees are in desperate need for some additional education in how to interface with the bike lane, as most tend to block it as they pull into the lot and wait at the guard station we have to pass through. Everyday, I see cyclists who are either confused or POed at having to navigate around it. Two years ago, I emailed someone at the helm of the bikeways project about the situation and got no response. I'm hoping this round goes better. I'm happy to help facilitate a bit of outreach between the city and the federal employees who park in the lot, but I obviously need the city to be part of that.

Anyway, fingers crossed.

On a related topic, I just read a letter to the editor complaining about two other bike lanes in the city. While I applaud Indy's current mayor for making bike commuting a priority, the execution of his projects have left a lot to be desired. Two steps forward, one back.....

[spokewench]

Way to go Pax - Pax's Honey! THat's great news

[indysteel]

Yay! I just got an email from the man who graciously gave our outside cats a new home. It sounds like they're doing well. They've spent the week on the barn's tack room and are going to get released tomorrow to the barn itself. He said they were going to spend some extra time out there tomorrow to help them further adjust. DH and I sure miss them, but it warms our hearts that they're in their new home. They have 10 acres to roam and some animal friends, including a horse named Pokey!

[Fredwina]

Help me! I almost bought a bike today (now, I'll have to wait til like tuesday:rolleyes:)
Getting back into df's

[indysteel]

I just has Afghani food for the first time at a restaurant in Bloomington, Indiana called Samira. It was absolutely fabulous. Yum. Yum.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Indysteel, great to hear about the kitties' good new home with a caring guardian. :)

[Catrin]

IndySteel, that is awesome! I know you and B. will miss them but it is great they now have a forever home :)

[Pax]

So, whats with all the bizarre posts in Nutrition/Hydration/Recipes lately? At first I thought they were spammers, but they don't appear to be selling anything... then a few hours later they're gone. :confused:

[Catrin]

So, whats with all the bizarre posts in Nutrition/Hydration/Recipes lately? At first I thought they were spammers, but they don't appear to be selling anything... then a few hours later they're gone. :confused:

Sounds like the hard working administrators have been cleaning house, so to speak. I haven't seen any of the odd posts you mentioned, but that is what it sounds like.

[lph]

I'm on a few hours before most of you because of time differences, and report the ones I see. I think they're bogus posts to build a fake "see I'm a real forum member and therefore not a spammer"-id for later use.

[OakLeaf]

And we have another one ... :p

[lph]

Busted, I'm a fake. My real mission here is to sell you crappy handbags, spraytans and obscure protein powders. Not to mention dancing lessons! :p

[Pax]

I'm on a few hours before most of you because of time differences, and report the ones I see. I think they're bogus posts to build a fake "see I'm a real forum member and therefore not a spammer"-id for later use.

Sounds reasonable. I'm up at 4am a lot so I tend to see them as well, now that I understand their nefarious nature I'll report them as well. :D

[indysteel]

I brought one set of posts to the administrator's attention the other day where the new member's initial posts didn't have a spam link in them but subsequent ones a few days later did. That's a new MO that I hadn't otherwise seen.

[lph]

What I don't get is why the syntax is so bizarre, way beyond non-native-speakers or dyslexia. It must be due to an automatic translator or something, but often the posts are actually somehow relevant to the topic, so whoever must have gone to the trouble of reading a few posts, writing an answer, then shoving it through an auto-translate. Why not just write something easy and generic like "this is a good discussion, thanks for the input"? And if you're going to go to all that trouble, why not add a line saying "Hi, my name is X, I love biking" too?

And why go search up really old posts? I don't get it.

[spokewench]

Yeah, its weird. I've seen a lot of those lately - I get on usually at 6 a.m. in morning in Arizona. There was another one this morning and I agree with you on the syntax. Very strange indeed

[Trek420]

Busted, I'm a fake. My real mission here is to sell you crappy handbags, spraytans and obscure protein powders. Not to mention dancing lessons! :p

I knew it! Me too. :rolleyes: ;)

[withm]

It seems to me that I once read on here that new members to the forum are somewhat moderated in that any links included in the first few messages are stripped out automatically. Then once the new member is determined to be, well, not a spammer, the links are restored to their signatures. I agree, the syntax is very bizarre. I've reported a number of these as well.

[bmccasland]

I went looking and found one. Somewhat a circular statement.

And LPH, about those dancing lessons, what type and when? :rolleyes: :p

[lph]

I'm so glad you asked! Personally I subscribe to the theory that dancing is a pleasurable commotion for all ages and all juncture.

By the way, our classes are familiarized in the direction of duos and we do not necessitate duos to spin.

(Yup, this is actually lifted from one of our more entertaining spam posts.)

[OakLeaf]

Dang, I missed that one!

[snapdragen]

It seems to me that I once read on here that new members to the forum are somewhat moderated in that any links included in the first few messages are stripped out automatically. Then once the new member is determined to be, well, not a spammer, the links are restored to their signatures. I agree, the syntax is very bizarre. I've reported a number of these as well.

Something like this..and newbie posts with links or pictures in the message are moderated too. They don't show up until an admin has approved it.

[lph]

Dang, I missed that one!

Today's was pretty entertaining too, actually.
In case you miss it - minus the buy-my-crap links, it reads like this:

One day, his wife went to her husband danced before, so excited that he didn't know what to say for a moment, her husband thought she was going to dance with him, and together with his wife.
Why are you so happy? The husband asked.
Dear, I have a good news for you! His wife said.
Good very! Just tell me what is the news! Husband road.
She was no longer beating, breath, I'm pregnant! Her breathing tract.
Husband burst with joy, arms around his wife kissing road: really!
She speak with his mouth said: really, my dear! There are two.
Husband asked in surprise: just pregnant and how do you know my arms are twins!
It's easy, borrow money from gilian explains: I went to pharmacies to buy two bags of pregnancy detection tools, both packet inspection are positive!

:rolleyes:

Do we have a linguist in the house, willing to try and pick out which language this is translated from? I mean... "tract"??

[Pax]

I noticed two new ones this morning, Joseph and Paul... did I miss any?

[lph]

the pregnancy joke one is still there, under adventure stories. And then there's your two, who I'm sure are fascinated by the topic of women riding bikes.

[OakLeaf]

Ruh-roh. My first reaction was "I'm going to have to start reading the spam."

Are you sure you aren't one of them? ;)

[lph]

No, I'm just bored at work. :p

[Pax]

No, I'm just bored at work. :p

Haha! :D

[redrhodie]

No, I'm just bored at work. :p

What happened to your idea of possibly wrenching for a living? Back burner, or do you need a kick in the :)?

Edit, that smiley face is instead of a butt. It looks like I mean to kick you in the face. Oops!

[lph]

Edit, that smiley face is instead of a butt.

:D

Yeah, I do need a kick in the butt. I have actually applied for another job, so I am slowly shifting a little bit. And considering holding local wrenching classes come spring, to test it out a bit. I don't know if it's anything to live off, but maybe just teaching will keep me happy :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

One day, his wife went to her husband danced before, so excited that he didn't know what to say for a moment, her husband thought she was going to dance with him, and together with his wife.
Why are you so happy? The husband asked.
Dear, I have a good news for you! His wife said.
Good very! Just tell me what is the news! Husband road.
She was no longer beating, breath, I'm pregnant! Her breathing tract.
Husband burst with joy, arms around his wife kissing road: really!
She speak with his mouth said: really, my dear! There are two.
Husband asked in surprise: just pregnant and how do you know my arms are twins!
It's easy, borrow money from gilian explains: I went to pharmacies to buy two bags of pregnancy detection tools, both packet inspection are positive!

I like it- it's kind of like free style verse, or eecummings haiku...

She was no longer beating, breath,
I'm pregnant! Her breathing tract.
Husband burst with joy, arms around his wife kissing road:
really!

[salsabike]

I'm so glad you asked! Personally I subscribe to the theory that dancing is a pleasurable commotion for all ages and all juncture.

By the way, our classes are familiarized in the direction of duos and we do not necessitate duos to spin.

(Yup, this is actually lifted from one of our more entertaining spam posts.)

I think that approaches spam greatness. :p

[snapdragen]

I think that approaches spam greatness. :p

Maybe we need to gather them all together and get it published......:)

[Owlie]

I miss all the entertaining ones. Sad. :(

[KnottedYet]

$$$$$$$$$$$$

I found the tandem I want. The shop has one. It fits us both. In a beeeeooootiful green color we both like. It is no longer made to the same specs (and costs $200 more now, while not being *exactly* what I've always wanted)

Gonna test ride tomorrow.

Pray for my soul.... :eek:

[OakLeaf]

You know you need it. :D

[KnottedYet]

What does it say about my priorities that I am seriously considering a tandem for THOUSANDS of dollars, while still doing laundry in a bucket because I am too damm cheap to buy a washer and dryer?

Sheesh! :rolleyes:

[VeganBikeChick]

I can't believe you're still doing your laundry in a bucket, Knot! That's impressive!

[Crankin]

Knot, I read your post out loud to DH and he laughed. And said our priorities are almost as screwed up as yours!

[OakLeaf]

I think it says your priorities are in the right place - that you're willing to choose joy, energy efficiency, time together with your wife, and a little bit of effort, over labor-displacing [not labor-saving] energy hogging devices.

Need some more justification?

[Sky King]

What does it say about my priorities that I am seriously considering a tandem for THOUSANDS of dollars, while still doing laundry in a bucket because I am too damm cheap to buy a washer and dryer?

Sheesh! :rolleyes:

Gave my two steel wash tubs to my brother when we moved, I didn't do laundry in them but my Mom did, we also bathed in them my first 3 years of life.

Note I type this as I sit in my house with my light weight down coat on because I refuse to turn up the thermostat

Enjoy the test ride, My DH and I are not tandem material so always glad to hear when someone succeeds in the togetherness :)

[lph]

I miss all the entertaining ones. Sad. :(

Hey folks, we have a new one!

You SEE? :D

[indysteel]

Hey folks, we have a new one!

You SEE? :D

You mean "Baby" or the purse maker?

[lph]

missed the purse maker, was thinking of baby ;)

[jobob]

Heh, I was online late last night and I saw those. And thought immediately of you folks!

Was the purse maker the really long incomprehensible post, or was that Baby? (Hey, it was late at night)

[lph]

Woops, Baby's gone. All together now: "No-one puts Baby in a corner!"

His/her posts were short and energetic, so the purse maker I missed must have been the long incomprehensible one.

[Pax]

Woops, Baby's gone. All together now: "No-one puts Baby in a corner!"



Baaahaaaaa!!! :p

[Fredwina]

look what you made me do :p
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xIu8jNU0t4Y/TsLsPwpedlI/AAAAAAAAQ9s/eL3HY0fiotY/s640/111511174615.jpg
2012 trek 7300

[indysteel]

Our newest spammer's favorite food is apparently cheese bread. This greatly amuses me!

[Crankin]

Do these people really think someone will click on their links?
Oy.

[KnottedYet]

Stay classy, Seattle....
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/11/84-year-old-woman-becomes-pepper-sprayed-face-occupy-seattle/45035/

[Pax]

look what you made me do :p
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xIu8jNU0t4Y/TsLsPwpedlI/AAAAAAAAQ9s/eL3HY0fiotY/s640/111511174615.jpg
2012 trek 7300

I like that!!

[Crankin]

Very nice bike, Fredwina.
It was supposed to rain today? I guess it's coming later today. I could have gone a long ride this morning :mad:. Instead, I went to the gym and prostrated myself at a step and sculpt class.

[Trek420]

Nice bike Fredwina. We're happy to be your enablers ;)

My property manager is showing the condo at 3'ish. I hope this one
a) likes it and of course he will, what's not to like? :)
b) can pass the credit/background check
c) has 1st/last/deposit.

[indysteel]

Wow; I just had a conversation with the administrative assistant in my office about why I left my previous job. As I was explaining it, my blood started to boil again about all of the various reasons that job positively s*cked and how depressed I got in the process. But it's been over 11 years since I left the job. I feel resigned on some level to never being able to get over all of it, but I don't like feeling that way. I'm not asking for suggestions; I just felt like sharing. I know it's something I need to work on with my therapist.

[Blueberry]

Indy- You aren't the only one. I think it's something about our profession. :rolleyes::rolleyes: Hugs and best wishes!

[indysteel]

Indy- You aren't the only one. I think it's something about our profession. :rolleyes::rolleyes: Hugs and best wishes!

That makes me feel better. At the time, I felt like such a failure for not having a thicker skin about all of it. When I retell it, it confirms that, no, it really was nuts and I was right to feel very wounded. I love my current job, and I feel like it all worked out of the best, but there's a lot of bitterness left in me.

[indysteel]

Ugh; I must be having one of those days.

So, as I've detailed elsewhere on here, DH and I moved to a small town about 25 miles south of where I used to live in downtown Indy. It's been a hard transition for me, in part, because I've found it darn near impossible to make any friends. It's hard for me to write this because I am normally such a social person, but I don't have a single friend there. Not one. And it's starting to really impact me. Okay....I'm crying now.....

Last week, I ran into a woman that I do know from town. She and I used to work together and were always friendly with one another if not exactly friends. She moved to this town a year before me and had complained of being lonely, too. She had three young children though and we've just never really hooked up.

When I ran into her, she mentioned that she's just signed up for Indy's mini marathon, which is held in May. I mentioned I was running, too, and suggested we run together sometime. She seemed open to that, so I sent her an email afterwards to see about firming something up. I made it clear that I was flexible and recognized that her schedule must be pretty busy with the kids, work, etc.

She finally responded with what basically amounts to thanks but no-thanks. It's just too hard to get away for a run. Now, I'm not really sure how she plans to train for the mini, but whatever. I'm trying really hard not to take it personally, but it just seems like I can't gain any traction in this town. Without kids and without a job in town, I can't seem to get a foot in the door. Anyway, I'm sad about this. Really sad.

[redrhodie]

(((Indy))) You have us.

[Crankin]

Indy, I know how you feel. I moved all of 9 miles; I didn't really expect to make new friends, as I didn't have to, as I still live in the same general area. Same doctors, stores, restaurants. Nothing in my life has changed except the location of my house. But... it would be nice to have a tiny bit more of a connection to my town. The people in every little town in MA have their own "thing." Since my kids did not go to high school here (in fact they went to the "opposition" school in the next town) and I continue to go to the synagogue I have been at for 20 years, I have no connections. After 6 years, I've given up. We are friends with the neighbors we share our driveway with, who are what we call "normal," and that's it. We tried going to the Newcomers Club and after one event, we ran out of there. I too, am very social, and it would be nice to always meet new people, but...
A few weeks after we moved here, we went hiking in a local conservation land trail. It's privately owned, by Harvard U., I think, and not a lot of people outside of this town know about it. So, we didn't see the sign that indicated where to park out on the street and we parked in the wrong spot. A woman came up to us and asked if we "were from out of town?" Like, a tourist, you know, those nasty people that contribute thousands toward our economy? This represents how most of the people are. I wanted to reply, yes, I'm a foreigner from 9 miles away, but I held my tongue. Heck, my kids are gone, I don't drive a Prius, and one of my kids (gasp) didn't finish college. And no one went to private school, as do 25% of the kids in this town. And don't ask me about the reaction people had to me when I stated at a community meeting that I could care less if they built affordable housing town homes down the street, as I would be living in one if I wasn't married.
Rant over.

[indysteel]

(((Indy))) You have us.

I know and, believe me, it gives me much comfort (she says with tears streaming down her face).

[NbyNW]

(((Indysteel)))

Sounds a lot like what I went through these last couple years when we were up north. My job prospects were nil up there, and every time I met someone who I seemed to click with, it seemed that they were up and moving elsewhere.

I tried meeting people by taking classes, by volunteering ... you name it. I get what you mean by no traction (With the exception of an awesome knitting group I met towards the end). Some places are just like that, in spite of your best efforts to reach out.

It's their loss if they don't want to get to know you. Even if they don't realize it. I hope you can find a way to cope, I've been there and know how hard it can be.

[indysteel]

Thanks for sharing that, Crankin. I really feel like a fish out of water here, politically and personally. This place is VERY conservative and there's not exactly a ton of professional women. And I so miss my friends in Indy. I'd see them more, but it's tough. For instance, if I were to meet up with my old running group, it would require a 70 or so mile roundtrip drive. That's nuts.

I can tell by how easily I cry over this topic that it's just not working. The bottom line is that we're going to have to move St some point if something doesn't give. My job situation is a bit up in the air in that my boss is retiring in a few years. Unfortunately, until it's clear where I might land, I'm afraid I'm stuck. Through therapy, I have learned ways to cope with stuff like this. I'm just going to have to get more creative. In fairness, it took a while to create a life in Indy, too.

[Fredwina]

Indy and Crankin - imagine moving across the county :eek:
I'm just now getting back into things
I found myself walking the bent almost as much as I was riding it. Probably shouldn't have done (hindsight) or gone with the 7100 (blew the budget out of the water, Probably should have not gotten so many acc.) But what's done is done.

[indysteel]

Indy and Crankin - imagine moving across the county :eek:
I'm just now getting back into things
I found myself walking the bent almost as much as I was riding it. Probably shouldn't have done (hindsight) or gone with the 7100 (blew the budget out of the water, Probably should have not gotten so many acc.) But what's done is done.

Believe me when I say how much I admire anyone who makes a radical move, either by choice or force. It 's something I have never had the nerve to do. In some ways though, being so close, but not close enough, to my old home has made me feel even more stuck. Instead of moving forward, I have spent a lot of time just pining away for parts of my old life.

[redrhodie]

For instance, if I were to meet up with my old running group, it would require a 70 or so mile roundtrip drive. That's nuts.


I don't think that's nuts! That's maybe half an hour drive each way, or there about. Plenty of people drive that every day to work. If you need to do it for sanity and friendship, you absolutely should.

[indysteel]

I don't think that's nuts! That's maybe half an hour drive each way, or there about. Plenty of people drive that every day to work. If you need to do it for sanity and friendship, you absolutely should.

Sadly, it's closer to an hour because of where in the city they meet. I do agree with you in theory, but it's hard to make that drive since I make a good part of it every weekday, too. It's a drag, but I need to suck it up.

[Crankin]

I did move across the country, Fredwina. It was 21.5 years ago. We gave up good jobs, a house in a desirable suburb, and a wonderful group of friends. We did it for our kids; and the fact that despite our great friends, we saw the political writing on the wall in AZ and couldn't deal with it.
By choice, and back to the state where I grew up, after 20+ years in FL and AZ.
But, there were still a few moments (won't admit this to many) that I cried, because I really missed my friends. I don't think I can ever replace the friends I made when my kids were in preschool at the Tri City JCC in Tempe. No matter how long it is between visits, I go back and it's the same.
I have 4 close friends here, and lots and lots of acquaintances made through work, cycling, volunteering at my temple, teaching aerobics, and grad school. Some of these acquaintances were "friends" at one point, but our paths diverged. In fact, when Hirakukibou and I started riding together 2 summers ago, she was amazed how I knew people in every town around here, in all of the coffee shops we went in, even riding down streets, 2-3 towns away, people often recognized me and we stopped. I feel like I "belong," in the general area.
However, I think living in AZ, where new people moved in all of the time, and it was accepted practice to go right up and invite them over or out for dinner, spoiled me. When I tried doing that here, it was met with total rebuffs.I hate to say it, all of my close friends are not native New Englanders, even though I am! We met our closest friends 7, almost 8 years ago when we signed up for a ride she was leading. Unbeknownst to us, we had sat next to them in spin class for years at the health club and seen them riding out on the roads. They lived 5 miles from us! They have no kids and our kids were out of the house pretty much by then, and it was a perfect match.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Indy)))))))

Just thank goodness for my cycling clubs, or I'd be as isolated as you are. I'm not really close with any of them, but at least they're other human beings I can talk to.

Oddly enough, Facebook has brought me closer to a few people who were only a little more than acquaintances before I FB friended them. Sometimes it's easier to open up and take risks about the things I care about with that bit of distance, and things can shake out in surprising ways.

[Fredwina]

page 1000! woo hoo!:)
Crankin, I think all relos are no fun, but literally going some where you've never been before can be scary(which is what I did when I came to Albany from Calif about 2 months ago) At least so far the career side is working out on this latest move. Still workiing on reassembling the rest of my networks
You should get rain tomorrow - it's raining here now

[Trek420]

page 1000! woo hoo!:)

And 951,815 views. What shall we do for the millionth viewer? tons of confetti? A free bike? :rolleyes:

[snapdragen]

Just nuked a new spam:

"Feather -like hair disorder , and avant-garde should be consistent with the rough earrings "


I hate when I have feather - like hair disorder....

[OakLeaf]

Some people pay good money to have feathers put in their hair.

[marni]

I have made 16 international moves in the 36 years of marriage. The last one from overseas to Texas has been the hardest because my youngest child left for college at the same time and so I had no ties into the community via PTA or school events or sports.

I have a few connections with the handweavers and hand spinners, and a total of two people as sporadic once or twice a year riding companions. Actually my strongest community connection for the past five years have been with my trainers at the gym, my doctor who I see 2x a year and the oncologist/breast surgeon who although she is a sweet and caring woman, I have seen more often than I would have liked.

I have learned to revel in my solitary strength, but it is very lonely at times.

marni

[Trek420]

Some people pay good money to have feathers put in their hair.

It takes a real pro to coordinate them with your rough earrings.

[Crankin]

Yeah, I don't get this feather thing.
Fredwina, I agree, your circumstances for moving were much harder than mine, but I must say the inclusion of 20 years in between leaving and returning, and the fact that I moved back to a different area in MA, not the city I grew up in, made it feel like I was living someplace slightly familiar, but not the same. It was compounded by the fact that we just could not afford to live in the place I grew up in, which we might have done, even though it was not close to where DH was working. We ended up living in a very small and rural town on the NH border where, ah, let's just say I was in the minority in a lot of ways. For 6 years, I pretended I didn't really live there, by participating in activities in other parts of my life. We finally moved to where we originally wanted to live, when our kids were in middle school and stayed there until we impulsively bought the house we are in now.

[indysteel]

For 6 years, I pretended I didn't really live there, by participating in activities in other parts of my life.

Boy, I can relate to that. My current home is just not a good fit. What's ironic is that in the first decade of my parents' marriage, they lived her, too, and my mother hated it as much as I do now. I credit her for holding her tongue when we announced that we were moving here ourselves. I know I underestimated just how different it would be from Indy. That's not to say that Indy is heaven on earth, but it is at least diverse enough to support a great number of my interests and there are plenty of like-minded people here.

All of this is food for thought though. I still fantacize about moving away from Indiana, but I have to wonder whether I could withstand that kind of change. I will have to think long and hard about that.

[indysteel]

On a different note, this morning's spammers sure dug up some old threads in which to post. I don't get that part of their MO.

[OakLeaf]

I think they do a search on anything that might be vaguely related to their product and post in those threads. I didn't read the spam and I don't even remember what today's threads were, but there's usually a common theme.



Marni, how are you doing - if you don't mind my asking?

[Pax]

I'm so angry I'm shaking.

The bosses have treated my honey like a piece of garbage for the last four and half years. She's worked her *** off to fix a broken division, all forms of measurement attest to her success, but the people who run this place are so threatened by someone accomplishing what they couldn't, that they just crap on her at every opportunity.

Her last day is next Wednesday and not one of them has done the professional courtesy of wishing her well in her new job; they won't even send out the usual general announcement that someone is leaving so co-workers can stop by and wish her well.

I really loathe these ignorant sub humans... and I have to keep working here with them. Hope I can keep my mouth shut.

[indysteel]

I'm so angry I'm shaking.

The bosses have treated my honey like a piece of garbage for the last four and half years. She's worked her *** off to fix a broken division, all forms of measurement attest to her success, but the people who run this place are so threatened by someone accomplishing what they couldn't, that they just crap on her at every opportunity.

Her last day is next Wednesday and not one of them has done the professional courtesy of wishing her well in her new job; they won't even send out the usual general announcement that someone is leaving so co-workers can stop by and wish her well.

I really loathe these ignorant sub humans... and I have to keep working here with them. Hope I can keep my mouth shut.


I'm so sorry, Pax. It's very sad when ego and insecurity get in the way of being a decent human being.