Thread Drift

[Pax]

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

It is, she has worked 60-70 hour weeks all these years, trying to do what's right... only to be denied basic human decency as she leaves.

I'm trying really hard not to go postal right now.

[indysteel]

It is, she has worked 60-70 hour weeks all these years, trying to do what's right... only to be denied basic human decency as she leaves.

I'm trying really hard not to go postal right now.

I didn't realize until this discussion that you both work for the same employer. Remind me again of your current retirement plan. Is there a day in the near terms when you'll feel free to tell all these people off? Do you work with/for these same people?

Give your honey (and yourself) a hug from us. As my post from yesterday about my old job indicates, I appreciate how hard it is to leave a job with a bitter taste in your mouth. At the time, I tried really hard not to burn any bridges, but boy do you I wish I'd had an opportunity to tell some people off.

[Pax]

I didn't realize until this discussion that you both work for the same employer. Remind me again of your current retirement plan. Is there a day in the near terms when you'll feel free to tell all these people off? Do you work with/for these same people?

Give your honey (and yourself) a hug from us. As my post from yesterday about my old job indicates, I appreciate how hard it is to leave a job with a bitter taste in your mouth. At the time, I tried really hard not to burn any bridges, but boy do you I wish I'd had an opportunity to tell some people off.

We work in the same unit at the university library, she is leaving to work across town for the state library consortium.

I'm vested as of two days ago but need to wait 3.5 more years to draw a pension (age 55). Then I can truly enjoy my exit interview... until then I think I'll start moving away from skipping all my breaks and lunches and start availing myself of the benefits to being a civil servant.


ETA - thanks for the hugs, the anger is slowly turning to sadness. They hurt my beloved.

[indysteel]

We work in the same unit at the university library, she is leaving to work across town for the state library consortium.

I'm vested as of two days ago but need to wait 3.5 more years to draw a pension (age 55). Then I can truly enjoy my exit interview... until then I think I'll start moving away from skipping all my breaks and lunches and start availing myself of the benefits to being a civil servant.


ETA - thanks for the hugs, the anger is slowly turning to sadness. They hurt my beloved.

If it gives you any consolation, at least she's moving onto something better--or at least I hope she is--at her new job. Plus, she has you.

And that's a lot. :)

[Pax]

Thanks Indy. I'm VERY glad she's getting out of here, it's not a sane healthy environment for someone at her level.

[indysteel]

Had my last board meeting today after four years on a NFP board. It's bittersweet. I did like most of my fellow board members and our staff, but it wasn't without a lot of frustration, too. Given where I live now, my life doesn't intersect with this organization like it once did, so it made sense to move on. I'm going to stay involved in a project that I had hoped to shepard through but which got put on a backburner this year. We now have a green light. If it's successful, it will make the last four years much more rewarding.

[Trek420]

Pax and Pax honey, Sounds like the dept. will collapse as she leaves. Tell her to stay away from the debris. :)

So, I was supposed to have a family checking the condo yesterday but they bailed and did not show. Probably not a good sign even if they call with a good excuse. Back to lining them up at the door.

[Crankin]

I went to spin class this morning for the first time in 2.5 years.
New gym is soooo different. No one (even the instructor) was wearing cycling shorts. She had cycling shoes on, but not clipped in. I was the only one clipped in.
It was low key and boring. Friday is "hill" day. She asked me if I could take it... I told her that every day is hill day in the Crankin house and that being I was a cyclist, it's the way it is. She said, "Yea, I knew you were a cyclist. :D"
But, at 5:30 AM, I'll take boring. The time went quickly, at least more quickly than the trainer. Back to being outside tomorrow.
DS #2 told DH that he is probably going to apply to the program where he can stay in the Marines, finish college, get his commission and become a 2nd. Lt. It seems that DIL is getting sick of him being gone, and this will keep him at home for at least 2.5-3.5 years, which is how long it will take him to finish his degree :). Funny, how this has more influence than mom. Hey, I'll take it.

[indysteel]

Just finished one of the better books that I've read in a while. It's called The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. It's about the African-American migration from the South to the North from about 1920 to 1970. What was really appealing about the book is that Wilkerson tells the story of the "Great Migration" from the standpoint of three people who each migrated during that period. It really personalized this aspect of our history, and I found each of their stories extremely compelling and profound. I recommend the book highly.

[Trek420]

That's on my list of 'must read next" books.

I got this and could not put it down. I was nearly up all night and reading the next day on the train, missing my stop .... very moving, shocking.

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/

[indysteel]

That's on my list, too. Fresh Air did a show on it when it first came out that really caught my attention.

[snapdragen]

That's on my list, too. Fresh Air did a show on it when it first came out that really caught my attention.

Indy - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an awesome read. Cyrenesong on the other board recommended it at one time.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on Henrietta Lacks.

For a terrific fiction read, I read Luminarium by Alex Shakar not long ago and really enjoyed it.

[indysteel]

Thanks for the suggestion. I just started The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. I anticipate it being somewhat challenging for me as fiction goes.

[emily_in_nc]

That's on my list of 'must read next" books.

I got this and could not put it down. I was nearly up all night and reading the next day on the train, missing my stop .... very moving, shocking.

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/

NPR did a long story on this -- fascinating. Will have to read the book!

[Trek420]

Hmmm, TE book club? ;)

[indysteel]

Hmmm, TE book club? ;)

I would love that!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Me three!

[Owlie]

That's on my list of 'must read next" books.

I got this and could not put it down. I was nearly up all night and reading the next day on the train, missing my stop .... very moving, shocking.

http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/

It's on my reading list. (It probably should be, being that I'm in biomedical sciences.) I know the university library has it, so I'll see if I can borrow it while classes aren't in session.

[indysteel]

Do we pick a new book that nobody has already read or go with The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks as our first selection?

[Trek420]

Doesn't matter to me. I'd read it again or another book.

[indysteel]

Oak, Owlie? Any thoughts? I am addicted to buying books, so I'm game for whatever. The only thing I don't rad a lot of is fantasy.

[Pax]

Indy - you should come visit me at work sometime, my office is parked in the middle of six million books. :D

[indysteel]

Indy - you should come visit me at work sometime, my office is parked in the middle of six million books. :D

That's a lot of books. I used to be addicted to actually reading books, but it's become something I have to work at. Some nights, I just feel more like zoning out. I'm getting more disciplined though. Still, I am completely hooked on buying books. I haven't purchased an e-reader, in part, because I think I'll miss the charge I get when I hold a new book in my hands.

Eek; may need a 12-step program.

[Catrin]

That's a lot of books. I used to be addicted to actually reading books, but it's become something I have to work at. Some nights, I just feel more like zoning out. I'm getting more disciplined though. Still, I am completely hooked on buying books. I haven't purchased an e-reader, in part, because I think I'll miss the charge I get when I hold a new book in my hands.

Eek; may need a 12-step program.

I need that 12-step program for bikes...thankfully there isn't one :) I am, however, a compulsive spender which will always be a struggle :o

I do like my e-reader, though right now I am getting books from the library. Free is good. There is something about holding an electronic device in your hands one which you have access to hundreds of books...

Thankfully when I purchased my original Sony Reader, the purchase came with a free choice of 100 books from their classics collection - and I love classics so it was easy to justify. They don't do it that way any longer but now I've full access to Google book downloads which is also nice.

[Pax]

That's a lot of books. I used to be addicted to actually reading books, but it's become something I have to work at. Some nights, I just feel more like zoning out. I'm getting more disciplined though. Still, I am completely hooked on buying books. I haven't purchased an e-reader, in part, because I think I'll miss the charge I get when I hold a new book in my hands.

Eek; may need a 12-step program.
The collection here at the U is actually over 12 million, I work in the stacks and if we don't have a book I want, I can order it through inter library loan... I'm right there with you on the addition. I'm like a junkie working in a crack house. :p



...They don't do it that way any longer but now I've full access to Google book downloads which is also nice.

Google is currently digitizing our older/rare books, good thing because a lot of the old one-of-a-kind stuff is falling apart.

[indysteel]

Well, here's my initial suggestion for a book club book. I say initial because my pile of unread books is rather deep, but this particular book came to mind based on what may seem to be a common interest. It's Tracy Kidder's Strength in What Remains. I love Kidder as a general rule, and his books always seem to generate interesting discussions. If you haven't already read Mountains Beyond Mountains, I recommend it highly.

My biggest reservation is that it is a heavy subject matter, perhaps too heavy for holiday reading. If that's the consensus, then I would be happy to read something lighter.

Once we choose something and decide on a goal date for finishing it, I will post a separate thread and see if there are any takers to join us. It would be nice to make this a regular thing.

[NbyNW]

Google is currently digitizing our older/rare books, good thing because a lot of the old one-of-a-kind stuff is falling apart.

I hear that there are a lot of free classics available from Project Gutenberg, and that they're compatible with most e-readers. Haven't tried it yet myself, tho.

[Fredwina]

I have "last of the Mohicans" and "kinckerbocker's History of New York" on my Kindle from Gutenberg. Can't testify as to the other e-readers

[DebW]

My bike is packed for the firs time in 2 years. It's going to Missouri with me to visit parents for the holidays, then a 4 day bike tour on the Katy Trail. This is what I get to do because I got laid off!

[Crankin]

Sorry about your lay off, Deb.
But have fun on your visit and tour. I'd be interested on your take of the Katy Trail. My b-i-l lives about 30 miles from there and I saw part of the trail when we went to the wine country nearby (also part of the route of the Tour of Missouri).

[Pax]

My bike is packed for the firs time in 2 years. It's going to Missouri with me to visit parents for the holidays, then a 4 day bike tour on the Katy Trail. This is what I get to do because I got laid off!

Have a great trip, Deb!!!

[Owlie]

Enjoy your trip, Deb! (But sorry about the layoff. :( )
I got Immortal Life from the local library...well, I should be getting it in a few days.

[lph]

Hey, we have a new spammer, people. In the where I work thread. Last time he was around he was praising God's bicycle skills, but no such luck this time.

Have a great road trip, Deb!

[Pax]

Hey, we have a new spammer, people. In the where I work thread. Last time he was around he was praising God's bicycle skills, but no such luck this time.

Have a great road trip, Deb!

I saw that, these people really confuse me. :confused:

[snapdragen]

"How piercing the man's calm POLO shirt
POLO shirt with the right mix can wear a man's sense of steady, stylish, youthful feel"

:confused::confused::confused:

[lph]

Hah, that's right up there with the Engrish site for creative language use!

[Trek420]

"How piercing the man's calm POLO shirt
POLO shirt with the right mix can wear a man's sense of steady, stylish, youthful feel"

:confused::confused::confused:

Wonderful. I think I found my new footer!

[indysteel]

Hey Trek: Did you happen to see my follow up on the book club idea in this thread? Scroll up if not; I suggested a book. I need to send a PM to you, Oak and Owlie and/or post a separate thread. I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

P.S. I started reading the book about Henrietta Lacks. Some it it makes me SO angry. Between the medical community and the sexual abuse her daughter suffered, I'm getting rather worked up.

[Fredwina]

I was going to suggest "Alice of old Vincennes" (http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Vincennes-Library-Indiana-Classics/dp/0253203627). it;s even on project gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4097). At least until "Ann and the Colonel" is ready.:p
On a denser subject, been getting ready to place mom into a semi-assited living situation. No fun, esepicailly having to do it over the holiday and long distance. At least I get to spend part of May in Memphis

[Trek420]

P.S. I started reading the book about Henrietta Lacks. Some it it makes me SO angry. Between the medical community and the sexual abuse her daughter suffered, I'm getting rather worked up.

Oh, no spoilers then. You haven't fully gotten to what happened to her daughter and literally trainloads of disabled and mentally disabled people most of them black in the South. That's not to say the North is perfect, we're not but I won't spoil it. Think you're angry now? Keep reading. :mad:

You go ahead and start it. I'm far to busy getting this refi through the hoops.

[lph]

"And for some To choose a wild wool cap, hidden live disheveled hair, improve the face, but also clothes that had become common very unique, so multiple purposes of a good thing even the Hollywood stars who love to make the recipe."

bwaa-haa-haaa... :D

Should've been posted in the helmet cap thread.

[Fredwina]

I need a team hat for Thanksgiving.......

[OakLeaf]

Paris Hilton, "as concave shape of love..."

[Catrin]

"Lindsay top of this white caps and scarves cross-gradient echo, even if dressed in black walking in the night and then when the dress is still bright eye."

The current breed of spam has been entertaining, though I doubt that was the posters intent.

[OakLeaf]

I'm still wary, even though obviously I clicked on that last one, I don't generally think it's a good idea. As I said before, I'm suspecting more and more that being entertaining is part of the strategy. Admins, is the forum software good and tight against not only clickjacking, but click recording?

[Catrin]

I'm still wary, even though obviously I clicked on that last one, I don't generally think it's a good idea. As I said before, I'm suspecting more and more that being entertaining is part of the strategy. Admins, is the forum software good and tight against not only clickjacking, but click recording?

If we don't follow the links in the post, how can that present a problem? Just wondering.

[NbyNW]

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

[indysteel]

Headed home after spending the last two stifling days with the inlaws. They exhaust me. My FIL has a bad habit of only half listening to a conversation and then demanding that you repeat the bits and pieces that pique his interest. My MIL mumbles everything she says. So, having a coherent discussion that doesn't get interrupted every minute with a loud "huh?" or "what did you/she/he say" is impossible. Ugh.

[Owlie]

So I figured out why I ended up in the ER last week. Nothing to do with gallbladders or my digestive system. It seems I pulled (or something) a muscle in my abdomen the weekend before, when I was riding in very windy conditions in a high gear. I must have turned the wrong way or something to turn off my alarm clock. I guess it's trainer-only, no resistance intervals for a couple weeks...

[Catrin]

Sorry Owlie, but glad to hear it won't take too long for it to heal. Hugs to you!

[marni]

So I figured out why I ended up in the ER last week. Nothing to do with gallbladders or my digestive system. It seems I pulled (or something) a muscle in my abdomen the weekend before, when I was riding in very windy conditions in a high gear. I must have turned the wrong way or something to turn off my alarm clock. I guess it's trainer-only, no resistance intervals for a couple weeks...

sorry to hear that there is a wrinkle in your riding but thank goodness it wasn't medical. I once wrenched something putting a stack of laundry on the bed that had the MD guessing hip cancer, or the like before he conceded it might be a pulled muscles. At time drugs are your friends.

heal easily and don't push it.

marni

[Owlie]

Yes, it's a good thing it wasn't a gallbladder/ stomach thing--no surgery, diet changes or the proton pump inhibitor that my prescription-happy doc suggested. I might have had a mild GI bug on top of it. I figured this out when I started getting pain in the same place on my ride today...

Hopefully it rains the next two or three weekends. ;)

[jobob]

I read your post and I agree with your post. green vegetables are also take part to make the body slim.

sorry couldn't resist.

[snapdragen]

i read your post and i agree with your post. Green vegetables are also take part to make the body slim.

sorry couldn't resist.

Bad post! Bad post!!!! ;):d

[Blueberry]

I read your post and I agree with your post. green vegetables are also take part to make the body slim.

sorry couldn't resist.

Snort.

It's hard to resist sometimes, isn't it:D:p

[lph]

I read your post and I agree with your post. green vegetables are also take part to make the body slim.

sorry couldn't resist.

Hee-hee-hee! *snort* :D

[Catrin]

Hee-hee-hee! *snort* :D

:)

Sometimes it is very hard to tell if the poster is a spammer with BAD English, or some innocent woman trying out her English skills on a women's cycling forum.These extreme examples we've been laughing over, of course, there is no doubt which it is...

I used to actually read the emails from the Nigerians who wanted to give me loads of money if I just gave them my bank account information, and one of them was so creative I emailed him or her back and complimented him or her on their creative writing skills. It was actually quite good, in a bizarre fantasy fiction sort of way, and I suggested they explore options in writing fiction. I think this shocked them, they responded and thanked me and didn't try to persuade me further to give them my bank account info. This was years ago, I wouldn't dream of doing that these days.

[Owlie]

The caffeine needs to kick in...now!

[Pax]

Since my mom had her health scare last summer I feel absolutely stuck, I mean it's great that my honey got her new job and we are setting up our house a bit better... but I just keep feeling like I'm in a cage. We were supposed to be going to Key West, we were supposed to be having a new adventure, facing new challenges, getting OUT! Instead I just keep coming back to my box inside a box office, in the dark, and then I get to leave in the dark... and it's cold outside. :(

[indysteel]

As I was driving to work today, I happened to look in my rearview mirror while I was stopped at the stop light just north of one of our sports arenas and saw an elephant crossing the street. Either the circus is in town or I was hallucinating. It was a funny way to start the day!

[Catrin]

As I was driving to work today, I happened to look in my rearview mirror while I was stopped at the stop light just north of one of our sports arenas and saw an elephant crossing the street. Either the circus is in town or I was hallucinating. It was a funny way to start the day!

Yep, Ringling Brothers are in town. I saw their wagons at the Conseco Fieldhouse parking garage yesterday after work :) After being here for 10 years (in Feb) I've yet to see the elephants! I am going to have to make the effort to head over to Monument Circle this year if they bring them out like they normally do :)

[Blueberry]

((((Pax))))))

I do understand about feeling stuck. We've made the decision to sell our house - but I still feel completely overwhelmed and trapped by the amount of work/getting rid of stuff to be done before we can actually put it on the market. I've been working on it - but it's tough.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Pax)))))

Not that it addresses the real issues, but can you put full-spectrum light bulbs in your office? Those made an enormous difference to me when I had to work in an office with no windows in the winter.

It seems like there are a lot of us here who feel like we can't do anything but wait around for our parents to die. :( :( It's the corollary of the thread about how old we are I think ... our parents are getting to that age. :(

[Pax]

... It seems like there are a lot of us here who feel like we can't do anything but wait around for our parents to die. :( :( It's the corollary of the thread about how old we are I think ... our parents are getting to that age. :(

It's really hard because my parents took no regard of my needs from age 18 on; they actually said "we raised you for the first 18 years, you're on your own now". I was okay with it, stepped out and took care of myself (I moved out of their house at 17). We've always gotten along but they lived 1500 miles away so we had very separate lives.

Then my father died; we had to move mom closer to home, she lives seven miles from me and eight from my brother (who does very little for her)... so after decades of not seeing much of each other I am now in the position of taking care of my mom... daily phone calls and multiple emails, taking her shopping every single weekend, fixing small things around her home, taking her on vacations, and just generally being the beck and call girl.

This will sound awful; I love my mom, but I didn't sign up for this! They made their choice to move away and have a life apart, now without any discussion my life isn't my own anymore. I hate feeling like this, I should be a better daughter, but I want my damned life back!!!

[indysteel]

It's really hard because my parents took no regard of my needs from age 18 on; they actually said "we raised you for the first 18 years, you're on your own now". I was okay with it, stepped out and took care of myself (I moved out of their house at 17). We've always gotten along but they lived 1500 miles away so we had very separate lives.

Then my father died; we had to move mom closer to home, she lives seven miles from me and eight from my brother (who does very little for her)... so after decades of not seeing much of each other I am now in the position of taking care of my mom... daily phone calls and multiple emails, taking her shopping every single weekend, fixing small things around her home, taking her on vacations, and just generally being the beck and call girl.

This will sound awful; I love my mom, but I didn't sign up for this! They made their choice to move away and have a life apart, now without any discussion my life isn't my own anymore. I hate feeling like this, I should be a better daughter, but I want my damned life back!!!

I'm sorry, Pax. In reading your post, I have a sickening feeling that I may end up in a similar position, caring for a parent or parents who weren't particularly caring to me. Add in my husband's parents--who I don't particularly care for--and I'm pretty nervous about what lies head for us.

It's good of you to help her, but please don't beat yourself up for not being particularly happy about it. Your reasons and feelings are perfectly valid. If there are any boundaries you can draw so that's a bit more bearable, do it. For instance, do you have to take her on vacation? And can you talk to your brother about doing more for her?

[Pax]

I'm sorry, Pax. In reading your post, I have a sickening feeling that I may end up in a similar position, caring for a parent or parents who weren't particularly caring to me. Add in my husband's parents--who I don't particularly care for--and I'm pretty nervous about what lies head for us.

It's good of you to help her, but please don't beat yourself up for not being particularly happy about it. Your reasons and feelings are perfectly valid. If there are any boundaries you can draw so that's a bit more bearable, do it. For instance, do you have to take her on vacation? And can you talk to your brother about doing more for her?

Thanks for the support Indy, this has been tough.

As far as "having" to take her on vacation, I do it because I feel so bad for her. She and dad were married for 51 years, she is so lost and lonely it just breaks my heart. So we set aside one vacation a year to take her someplace.

As for my brother... he is useless. He will only help grudgingly and lets mom know he'd rather be elsewhere. In short, he's a jerk and always has been. One redeeming things about all of this is when mom is gone, I won't have to interact with him anymore.

[indysteel]

Thanks for the support Indy, this has been tough.

As far as "having" to take her on vacation, I do it because I feel so bad for her. She and dad were married for 51 years, she is so lost and lonely it just breaks my heart. So we set aside one vacation a year to take her someplace.

You're a good, good person, Pax. Honestly, a lot of people--me, included, perhaps--might be less sympathetic under the circumstances.

[Blueberry]

Oh I understand this.

My parents have both made it clear that they want and expect to be taken care of.

My father - left my mom when I was 6, was sort of in my life until I was about 8, then re-married and I wasn't welcome, sort of came back in my life after the new wife left him, I lived with him during HS for a summer to get away from an alcoholic stepfather, almost wrecked college and my grad school with his "you need to do for me - I don't care if you have an exam/test/etc..", did the same thing with a fiancee a few years ago, and has otherwise lied to me and screwed me over since I've been alive. He is just over 60, and convinced he is dying (his docs don't know if he is). He wants me to talk to his doctors, go to appointments with him, make financial decisions for him, etc., etc.

My mom - did what she wanted when I was a kid and left me with my grandparents, married a terrible alcoholic (I left home at 16 after 2 years of him), was completely absent from any support role during college/grad school, has always been hyper-critical of me, finally kicked his a$$ out 2 years ago, and now expects that I'll be her best friend, financial consultant, and clearly expects to be taken care of in her old age.

Neither paid a dollar for college - I worked extra to make up for their failing to make the small "parent contribution." I'm an only child:rolleyes::rolleyes:

My grandmother (who picked up their slack) gets visits most weeks, and phone calls. She has planned for her old age, and is in an appropriate place that will care for her. Still - I will do what I can for her.

The parents - I don't know. I don't plan to wreck my life to care for them. Especially given that this is likely to go on for 30 years. I didn't sign up for that and they sure as $h1t didn't earn it. I really just want to move far, far away.

[Pax]

Do it Blueberry, move far away while you can! Just make sure your situation doesn't have room for them to move in with you. Right now if we moved, my mom would move with us. Thank god I having an understanding partner.

[indysteel]

I know what I would do in your situation, Blueberry, but I'm not a particularly forgiving or selfless person when it comes to this kind of a thing. I am completely estranged my siblings as it is so I'm more than used to some pretty harsh boundaries. My parents are a trickier matter because they have provided emotional and, at least through college, financial support. It's just that their support has been very flawed and inconsistent. Plus, my mother is wackadoo, so I anticipate that dealing with her will be difficult. She has zero financial sense and is extremely private (to the point of paranoia) about medical issues, so there's a double whammy right there. Frankly, I'm more concerned about the fact that I'll likely have to deal with my siblings again, something I really don't want to do.

[Catrin]

((Pax)) it is a hard situation to deal with, for sure. Blueberry, if you can move away do it! I've spent all of my adult life living far from my family for similar reasons.

[lph]

Wow, this brings up memories. I'm dreading my mother's decline into old age, because I'm the only person around who will feel any duty at all to be there. And I vividly remember my grandmother's last years, which were distressing to me because she was lonely and depressed but also partly senile, so even when she did have visitors, she forgot about them within a few hours, and just felt more lonely. And she would call, and call, and practically beg me to visit her :(

I kept trying to tell myself that I couldn't possibly be responsible for her wellbeing, but it is hard.

[Crankin]

I know this sounds cruel, but we don't owe our parents anything for just "bringing us up." Parents have to earn respect by, well, being good parents. My in laws were of the "we brought you up, but we won't pay for anything else after age 18 variety," screwing up my DH's life supremely. He was called stupid and told he was never going to be anything. Then, when he finished college and became successful, they were jealous and said that I made him a snob :eek:.
His other siblings kissed their butts as they spent every penny they had and expected to still live a nice lifestyle. We were seen as mean for not enabling them, and in the end they died destitute, my m-i-l spending the last 2 years of her life in a very nice assisted living facility, paid for by the taxpayers of Arizona.
My parents had no money in the end, either. My dad is 86, lives with "roommates" in their 60s and up until recently, worked 15-20 hours a week. He lives on social security, supplemented by a small check sent by me and more from my brother. But, the difference is, he doesn't expect anything from us. He is unrealistic, but makes it clear he still is "the parent." My brother has had to deal with his medical stuff, but it's kind of nothing compared to you guys. He is still active and his mind is fine. He reads more books than me. Realistically, he could live another 5-10 years, given his family history.
All I know is that I won't ruin my life because of his poor planning.

[Blueberry]

Oak - no worries. I did a bit of that myself on here:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I have few if any friends I can talk to about such issues. They're too personal in a way. I appreciate TE for things like that. Seriously. I really value the opinions and insight here.

[marni]

As I was driving to work today, I happened to look in my rearview mirror while I was stopped at the stop light just north of one of our sports arenas and saw an elephant crossing the street. Either the circus is in town or I was hallucinating. It was a funny way to start the day!

shades of the Robin Williams movie Jumanji and the stampeding herds across the road in front of the policeman.

What an interesting start to a morning even if it was true and not a hallucination.

marni

[marni]

Oak - no worries. I did a bit of that myself on here:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I have few if any friends I can talk to about such issues. They're too personal in a way. I appreciate TE for things like that. Seriously. I really value the opinions and insight here.

ditto- I am dealing with ageing resident FIL issues and if they get much worse, I will be venting here.

marni

[Crankin]

Marni, it sounds like your FIL could benefit from some in-home services or at least someone to give you some respite. You can't be "on" 24 hours a day.

[indysteel]

Our newest spammer sure has some interesting diction. Yikes.

[Trek420]

every one want eating soups so always be ready for best health so we will be remind best health so be remind best health?

[lph]

I will be remind to always best health indeed! :D

[OakLeaf]

Thanks for the support, Blueberry and marni. I took the post down, it was a little much even for me :rolleyes:, but your understanding means a lot to me.

[marni]

Marni, it sounds like your FIL could benefit from some in-home services or at least someone to give you some respite. You can't be "on" 24 hours a day.

working on it- hopefully at least one day a week starting in January, and full time in May when I am slated to do a cross country ride to raise money for breast cancer (mississippi river from New Orleans to Lake Itasca (it's source) in May 2012.

Dare I say that I am quite looking forward to january? And to May and une even more. My next oldest sister may be doing the ride with me. She was supposed to do the Southern Tier with me two years ago, but had a double hip replacement instead. She says she is working hard on her trainer and swimming.

Both Dad and himself are starting in on the sullenly resentful guilt trips but I am ignoring them. After a year and a half of unremmiting care for FIL, I feel that I have earned this.



Thanks for the positive thoughts.

marni

[OakLeaf]

((((((marni)))))) You've earned it and more.

[Fredwina]

Sounds like everyone is dealing with Family issues. We are working to get my mom moved , but her Landlord wants out sooner than we had planned. Thankfully, we've got the key to the new place, just got to get her and stuff the 180 miles between the two places. At least I won't be stuck driving a Cargo van around Memphis in new years. And dealing with my brother and his clan who thinks they need mom's furn and car (no, we need them to pay down those bills). Ah, they joys of knowing which relatives of knowing which relatives you can trust and which you can't.:o

[jobob]

Whee, lots of spammers tonight!

"Take only some light to eat..only eat fruits and green veg. to recover early.... "

Huh?? Oh, nevermind. :rolleyes:

[lph]

Whee, lots of spammers tonight!

"Take only some light to eat..only eat fruits and green veg. to recover early.... "

Huh?? Oh, nevermind. :rolleyes:

How to Loss your Fat, no less!

I've always wondered how to do that.

[indysteel]

Since being diagnosed with Graves Disease over the summer, I have kept an eye on my resting heartrate. It was running 20-30 beats higher than normal before I started anti-thyroid meds. I have also been running pretty regularly. Today my heartrate measured 49 bpm. That is definitely more like it.

[NbyNW]

Well done, Indy!

My dad was diagnosed with Graves in 2004 and I know there was a lot of art + science that went into getting his health straightened out. There was a lot of trial and error for a few years, but he has been doing well as of late.

Keep up the great work!

[Pax]

Well, that was fun. Diagnosed with my second UTI in two months, after 20 years without one. I guess as we age we get drier, and our bladders can tip a bit, and we can be prone to these. It's ever so much fun having a doc who might be all of 30, ask me "are you sexually active??" and "do you void after sex?". :(

[indysteel]

Well, that was fun. Diagnosed with my second UTI in two months, after 20 years without one. I guess as we age we get drier, and our bladders can tip a bit, and we can be prone to these. It's ever so much fun having a doc who might be all of 30, ask me "are you sexually active??" and "do you void after sex?". :(

LOL. I went through a phase in my "relations" with my now husband in which I got six or so UTIs in as many months. That was a blast. I now take a prophylactic antibiotic "as needed." I should probably ween myself off of it, but the thought of another UTI, a round of strong antibiotics, and the inevitable yeast infection that follows bums me out too much.

I hope you feel better soon. Keep your fluids up.

[Owlie]

Feel better, Pax!

This is getting silly: While this belly fat seems to have permanently parked itself here (less of it than there was, which is a good thing), it keeps disappearing from my hips and breasts. I cannot afford new jeans, bras and bike shorts! I have lost some from around my waist, so that's good...

(DBF says that I must be the only woman ever to complain about losing weight. Though in this case, it's not so much weight (4-5lb off what I weighed in high school) as fat loss.)

Okay, I'm done.

[marni]

This is getting silly: While this belly fat seems to have permanently parked itself here (less of it than there was, which is a good thing), it keeps disappearing from my hips and breasts. I cannot afford new jeans, bras and bike shorts! I have lost some from around my waist, so that's good...


I went from a 38 double c to a 32 double a bra as I lost weight. Quite a bit of weight and inches went from my waist hips and thighs as well but unfortunately the last 15 pounds are all in my stomach, and hips while my one remaining breast is approximately the size of a double 2 fried egg and is rapidly sliding towards my waist!

Between the flat breasts, the extra short #6 buzz that I wear my hair in, I am frequently mistaken as a man. SIGH....


marni

[lph]

How to Loss your Fat, no less!

I've always wondered how to do that.

Um. Anyone else receive, uh, surprising PM's recently?

[indysteel]

Um. Anyone else receive, uh, surprising PM's recently?

None here. Did one of the spammers pm you?

[Fredwina]

Finally, got Mother moved to Memphis and away from my brother and his kin, who looked at her as their personal salvation army.:) Now, comes the fun stuff - managing her finances long distance (unless I get lucky and find a job down there) good thing my furniture is rented. fun, fun, fun!!

[indysteel]

DH and I were just invited to a Christmas party that is explicitly for the yound child of a friend of his. The child in question is one and a half--not that it matters. Huh? I thought Christmas, in and of itself, was sufficiently "for the kids." Do we now need separate Christmas parties for them, too? I'm so confused.

DH's friend is someone he's known since grade school. He's married to a woman who often refers to herself and her young daughter as "princesses." They live elsewhere, so most of what I know about them, I know through Facebook and the intimate details (often in pictures) that they provide of their princess-like lives. From what I can gather, the world orbits around this child and the mother. So, while I'm not shocked that they are throwing a Christmas party for the child, I do find it a little (or a lot) obnoxious. But, again, maybe I'm just enough out of the loop on parenting as a childless person. If I am, I hope someone will enlighten me. Is this a new trend?

In case it wasn't clear from my snark, we're not going to the party. We've now sent two gifts to this couple for the child (baby shower and post-birth); neither one of which was ever acknowledged, not even in passing. So, the little princess will not receive anything further from us.

[tealtreak]

I went from a 38 double c to a 32 double a bra as I lost weight. Quite a bit of weight and inches went from my waist hips and thighs as well but unfortunately the last 15 pounds are all in my stomach, and hips while my one remaining breast is approximately the size of a double 2 fried egg and is rapidly sliding towards my waist!

Between the flat breasts, the extra short #6 buzz that I wear my hair in, I am frequently mistaken as a man. SIGH....


marni
you are not alone! I have always been flat but just had a lumpectomy which for my size could almost be considered a radical! At this point I am just happy no radiation (:

[tealtreak]

DH and I were just invited to a Christmas party that is explicitly for the yound child of a friend of his. The child in question is one and a half--not that it matters. Huh? I thought Christmas, in and of itself, was sufficiently "for the kids." Do we now need separate Christmas parties for them, too? I'm so confused.

DH's friend is someone he's known since grade school. He's married to a woman who often refers to herself and her young daughter as "princesses." They live elsewhere, so most of what I know about them, I know through Facebook and the intimate details (often in pictures) that they provide of their princess-like lives. From what I can gather, the world orbits around this child and the mother. So, while I'm not shocked that they are throwing a Christmas party for the child, I do find it a little (or a lot) obnoxious. But, again, maybe I'm just enough out of the loop on parenting as a childless person. If I am, I hope someone will enlighten me. Is this a new trend?

In case it wasn't clear from my snark, we're not going to the party. We've now sent two gifts to this couple for the child (baby shower and post-birth); neither one of which was ever acknowledged, not even in passing. So, the little princess will not receive anything further from us.
too funny! (and sad) If this is a new trend it hasn't hit Richmond yet....yeah! Maybe it is just that royal family...........I much prefer the kids who have "no gifts, bring food pantry or SPCA donation" parties............

[Crankin]

Ah, in my limited knowledge of all things Christmas, this is not normal. They sound like swell parents. I'd hate to meet that kid in about 10 years.

[indysteel]

Ah, in my limited knowledge of all things Christmas, this is not normal. They sound like swell parents. I'd hate to meet that kid in about 10 years.

Agreed.

While reading the mother's Facebook page one day, DH jokingly asked me if I wanted to be a "princess." "No," I replied rather vehemently. "I want to be, and am, a grown woman." My parents had many failings, but they at least didn't raise me to be spoiled or to wrongly think the world revolved around me. I could have handled a little more parent-inspired confidence, but in a lot of ways, I'm glad that I largely gathered the ground beneath my feet.

[Fredwina]

Well, I survived the writer's critique with ego intact and a solid plot, despite (or because of) having a sapient donkey as one of my characters.

[PamNY]

In case it wasn't clear from my snark, we're not going to the party. We've now sent two gifts to this couple for the child (baby shower and post-birth); neither one of which was ever acknowledged, not even in passing. So, the little princess will not receive anything further from us.

Your gifts should have been acknowledged, but beyond that, I wouldn't judge.

If you don't know these people in person, you can't really determine anything about them. I certainly wouldn't make a judgement based on what they've put on Facebook. What is posted on Facebook could be the opposite of what is going on in reality. It is common for what is reported about family life to be different from the truth.

I'm not sure about the trend question -- does it matter? People have parties for all kinds of silly reasons. I would make no assumptions based on that. For example, many people have "Christmas tree trimming parties," which I find puzzling and mildly repulsive. A party for a child makes more sense than a party for a dead tree.

If you have concerns about how these people are raising their child I would strongly suggest that you make direct, in-person observations.

From what I can tell, the minute a woman gives birth the world sets about judging her -- one reason I decided not to have children.

[Crankin]

Well, people judge about all kinds of things. It's one thing for children to feel loved and appreciated, which is necessary, but when anyone thinks he or she is a princess, or that the world revolves around them, it bodes for trouble later. I am not saying this as a result of watching what my friends have done, but as a professional in 2 different fields who works with families. I know what people put on Facebook is not always reality, but I have to agree with Indy here. I mean, I've let friendships drop because of stuff like this, or because of issues surrounding animals. I have kids, and I never felt that judged. I always did what I wanted to! I am sure some thought I was an evil working mother, but I knew what was right for me.

[indysteel]

My husband knows these people directly very well. I am confident that I have enough credible info to make some conclusions. Having a party at Christmas for a child so that this child receives even more stuff is excessive. I am perfectly comfortable making that judgment especially since I was invited to said party.

[indysteel]

As for Facebook and reality, this woman posts in great detail about the goings on that revolve around the child. If this is the reality she chooses to emphasize on Facebook, why is it up to me to remember that there may be a different reality? If you put your life on display, don't be surprised if people pass judgment about it. Please keep in mind that I don't think this woman is a bad person. I just think she was spoiled as a child and is in turn raising a spoiled child. There are worse things as a parent I suppose.

[Sky King]

so maybe someday, you will get to teach this child how to ride a bike :) or better yet, how to change a flat tire on a bike. We can only hope the other adults in her life will be a positive influence. I often feel sorry for kids in our land of plenty, it isn't their fault as no one gets to choose their parent.

[alexis_the_tiny]

Yesterday, for the first time, I discovered the magic that is Maria Callas. I've always been indifferent to opera until I heard her sing O Mio Babbino Caro on youtube last night. H**y cr*p!! Its amazing! Youtube is awesome, how cool is it that it preserves old operas and ballets for the future generations to watch? :p

[Biciclista]

Alexis, yes. You can even listen to Caruso on youtube. (kind of tinny though)

[marni]

you are not alone! I have always been flat but just had a lumpectomy which for my size could almost be considered a radical! At this point I am just happy no radiation (:

the reason that I opted for a mastectomy was to avoid radiation- I grew up in Los Alamos and have an almost superstitious dread of it, and besides there just wasn't that much more than a hamburger patty size lump to take, and I figure it is just flesh, it did good duty when I needed it but was just sitting there sliding towards my waist.

Honestly unless I go totally braless, you really can't see that much difference in a sports bra.

marni

[Pax]

Only six more hours, then I'm off work for ELEVEN DAYS!!!!

Off the FL with my honey and my mom, a little cabin near the beach. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Pax]

Yay me.

[Catrin]

Yay me.

Indeed, have fun :cool:

[indysteel]

Have a great time, Pax and Pax Honey!!

[Crankin]

I'm bored.
Seriously, it's X-Mas Eve, when we usually do what all Jews do, go out for Chinese food. But, since the group I usually do this with were all here last night for our Chanukah party, we decided to postpone the dinner until tomorrow night. I think the fact the holiday is on a Sunday is making this feel weird. Tomorrow is going to be nice enough for a long ride, so no problem there. We saw my son and his wife last night, and tomorrow is their anniversary, so they are going out for brunch, at one of the few places besides Asian that are open.
I have a movie to watch, but while it feels like a holiday weekend to me, there's nothing open, so there's nothing to do. I forgot to go to the library, so nothing to read, either.
Deciding if we might go get sushi tonight, just to get out of the house. While I am not really complaining, this just feels strange. Usually, I am busy enough so the day goes by quickly and I don't feel like I have my nose pressed up against the glass while everyone else is partying.

[indysteel]

Veuve Clicquot Champagne is delicious.

[Crankin]

Ha!
We went out for sushi, at a place that is probably the closest restaurant to my house, but we rarely go to.
Watched the movie Conviction which is based on a true story of an innocent man who got sent to jail for murder, in a town about 15 miles from here. A place I ride through on a regular basis. The movie was filmed here and it was a little creepy to see some of this shady stuff. Plenty of shots of roads I ride on!
I am over my pity party. Looking forward to riding in the late morning.

[Catrin]

I saw this in LPH's signature line:

"Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin"

I've missed this quote before, and my little ride today all bundled up with several layers of wool, Amfibs, really good shoe covers (with chemical warmers), etc. etc., was the most pleasant ride I've had in <40 temperatures before. The windchill was 32, and there was quite the headwind from time to time.

I know some of you ride in far colder temps than that, and I've ridden down into the high 20's, but I never dreamed that I could be THAT comfortable riding in colder temps. Now if I could just persuade my sinuses to behave so I don't have to breath with my mouth open...but I don't see THAT happening.

So I am converted to the world of "bundle-uppery"

:)

[jessmarimba]

I'm bored.
Seriously, it's X-Mas Eve, when we usually do what all Jews do, go out for Chinese food.


I was just told about that this morning! Seriously, at our post-run breakfast I was talking about wanting to get Chinese food today (since that's one of my favorite junk foods that I never indulge in - and I love the fried dishes, so it's truly junk) and someone asked if I was Jewish. I didn't get it (I'm kind of nothing, religiously). But it sounds like a great idea to me!!

[OakLeaf]

Now if I could just persuade my sinuses to behave so I don't have to breath with my mouth open

Have you tried nasal strips? They make an amazing difference. When I'm super congested or when I'm running intervals I still have to breathe through my mouth (and I pretty much always have to exhale through my mouth), but for the most part they've opened up a whole new world of nose breathing to me. :D

[Catrin]

Have you tried nasal strips? They make an amazing difference. When I'm super congested or when I'm running intervals I still have to breathe through my mouth (and I pretty much always have to exhale through my mouth), but for the most part they've opened up a whole new world of nose breathing to me. :D

Didn't even think about this, I will try it! This isn't a problem for me when it isn't cold, it is like my nose closes up just as soon as I hit cold air with my bike. Covering my face with the baklava didn't seem to help this part, outside of it taking just a little longer to get there.

[snapdragen]

Veuve Clicquot Champagne is delicious.

Yes. Yes it is. :rolleyes:

[bmccasland]

While sitting here going through posts, my local jazz station played "Rockin with red" by Mr.B. A terrific piece of toe tapping, head bobbin' jazz music. I could just imagine listening to it on an ipod (if I had one) while bike riding, might even get me to ride faster! :)

[lph]

A terrific piece of toe tapping, head bobbin' jazz music(...)listening to it on an ipod while bike riding, might even get me to ride faster! :)

It does.

And that's all I'm gonna say about that! :D

*running and hiding*

[NbyNW]

I accepted a job offer today! It's part-time, but I think it will be a great fit for what I need to be doing right now. Next week it will have been 3 years since I left my last job. I'm excited to be getting back to work!

[indysteel]

Congrats, NbyNW!!!

[Pax]

Woo hoo!!!Congrats!!!

[salsabike]

I accepted a job offer today! It's part-time, but I think it will be a great fit for what I need to be doing right now. Next week it will have been 3 years since I left my last job. I'm excited to be getting back to work!

Where????

[Wahine]

Where????

+1 what Salsa said.

[NbyNW]

Here in Seattle, a small but well-respected design office. I'll be doing a balance of admin and entry-level work, but if it turns out to be a good fit there is definitely room to grow.

[Wahine]

I'm so happy for you!!

[salsabike]

Yayyy!! Welcome back.

[Crankin]

Congratulations!

[Crankin]

We just planned and booked our summer vacation to the San Juan Islands and Seattle. We'll be staying at a B and B in Friday Harbor as our base, flying in on 7/27 and then we will explore the other islands with our bikes for a few days. We also have people to visit (former colleague of my DH) in Friday Harbor that have been bugging us for years to visit. Then we head to Seattle for 2 days, staying downtown.
I am really excited. I've never been to the northwest, although DH worked for a company based in Belleview for a few years. The one time I was supposed to go there to meet him for a holiday event, we had a blizzard and the airport shut down.

[Biciclista]

Crankin, there are probably a few people here that would love to meet you (like me) so when you are in downtown Seattle, let us TE people know.

[Crankin]

I definitely will, Mimi. We will not be unpacking and building the bikes for our 2 days there, though... so it will be a social visit! We'll be in Seattle on a Thursday and Friday, flying back on Saturday.

[NbyNW]

Hey Crankin!

That sounds like an awesome vacation. Remember to bring your passport, because you may be tempted to do a daytrip to some of the Canadian Islands!

I'm actually spending this week in Friday Harbor. It's a sweet little town, I'll let you know if we come across any must see/do/eat while we're here.

[lph]

This has nothing to do with anything, but it was hilarious. Anyone needing flame fuel against sexist advertising could do worse than look here:

http://gizmodo.com/5873804/please-keep-your-***-out-of-my-email

[indysteel]

Awesome! Now we have off-color spammers (in the thread about funny conversations with non-cyclists)!

[salsabike]

This has nothing to do with anything, but it was hilarious. Anyone needing flame fuel against sexist advertising could do worse than look here:

http://gizmodo.com/5873804/please-keep-your-***-out-of-my-email

Oh man, that's funny!

[indysteel]

I'm going crazy trying to keep my calendar from blowing up. I have two days a week that I meet with a personal trainer over my lunch hour. I have a third day each week that I almost always have lunch with one of my best friends whom I would otherwise never get to see. The other two lunch hours are often filled with meetings. I'm used to that, but suddenly, everybody and their brother wants to schedule a lunchtime meeting. I'm already well into March, and I don't have a single free lunch hour. I know that sounds like no big deal, but it sometimes nice to just sit at my desk and read TE.

But today was emblematic of what really drives me crazy. I scheduled a meeting for today about a month ago with the volunteer coordinator at the YMCA. Last week, an issue came up at work that required a meeting for today, so I rescheduled my Y meeting for Thursday--which meant that I had to cancel lunch with my girlfriend. Then my work meeting got cancelled so suddenly today was open again. Last night, I got an email from the woman at the Y saying that she had to cancel Thursday's meeting. I asked if she could meet today--the day we were originally scheduled to meet. Fine; she say. That'll work. Then this morning she cancelled on me because of a conflict that just arose on her end.

Did you follow all that? Likely, you didn't because even my head is still swimming. See, I contort my calendar only to then have everything cancel at the last minute anyway. It's maddening.

So, now I'm moving onto breakfast meetings. I hate breakfast meetings, but if it means my lunchtime calendar is less crazy, then so be it.

[bmccasland]

Indy - my head is spinning from your lunch meetings.

I actually block time on my calendar for lunch. That way it looks like I'm busy, but in reality keeps people from scheduling meetings through lunch - because they don't include actually eating.

[Catrin]

Yikes Indy, I thought my week schedule was wild! I hope things calm for you soon, part of our lunch breaks are to unwind a touch for the rest of the day and you aren't getting that chance at all :(

bmccasland - good idea, when things get too wild at work I will do that myself.

[Crankin]

Gee, my schedule is full of things like 7 year olds with suicidal intent, a family of 8 getting their washer and dryer allowance taken away by the housing authority at the same time their 10year old daughter is refusing to go to school because of increasing anxiety, and deciding how I am going to help tell the 14 year old sister of my client that her dad is never coming home because he molested their little brother.
I'm not complaining. But, I try to keep my lunch time free so I can sit at my desk and look at TE before I go back to reality....

[indysteel]

Gee, my schedule is full of things like 7 year olds with suicidal intent, a family of 8 getting their washer and dryer allowance taken away by the housing authority at the same time their 10year old daughter is refusing to go to school because of increasing anxiety, and deciding how I am going to help tell the 14 year old sister of my client that her dad is never coming home because he molested their little brother.
I'm not complaining. But, I try to keep my lunch time free so I can sit at my desk and look at TE before I go back to reality....

Well, that puts a lot into perspective. That is some heavy stuff. My job offers its own reality checks, they're not nearly as stark as yours.

[Sky King]

When I was a marketing rep all my lunches were meetings so I started blocking out 3:30 to 5, 3 days a week and went to spinning class. I had several evening events so never felt guilty about taking an hour and a half for myself. Now that I work at Bike Touring News, downstairs from my house I miss those meetings :) but will say I love being my own boss

[indysteel]

When I was a marketing rep all my lunches were meetings so I started blocking out 3:30 to 5, 3 days a week and went to spinning class. I had several evening events so never felt guilty about taking an hour and a half for myself. Now that I work at Bike Touring News, downstairs from my house I miss those meetings :) but will say I love being my own boss

Oh, I wish I could do that. Few of my lunch time meetings are actually work related, so I can't balance out my work day like that. Most of them, instead, relate to volunteer/civic things I'm involved with.

I'll admit that I further complicate my schedule because, minus yoga one day a week, I try to go straight home after work, at least during the winter. I have some night vision issues and a 25-milie commute, so I like to get home before dark. Come March, it gets easier to schedule things because of Daylight Savings Time, but during the winter, I find myself having to cram a lot into my work day. Ironically, work itself is really slow right now; it's my lunch hour that's nuts.

But Crankin offered a dose of perspective. Plus, I do like to be busy most of the time. I just hate when things have to get rescheduled over and over again.

[Wahine]

Wow, Crankin. EEK! I couldn't do it. No. Way. The little bit of emotional overflow from life issues etc at my job drains me like crazy. I can't imagine having a day full of that stuff.

[Crankin]

I guess I have the ability to compartmentalize really well :). Seriously, if you can't do this, you wouldn't make it in this field and be healthy. But, at times, when I was a teacher, other teachers told me "I thought like a man." OK, but teaching was super stressful, too. The key for me is not to make it my whole life. Like, today, I just came back from my cycling group, where we went on a 6 mile hike. It was close to my house and I don't have a client until 3. The outdoor activity keeps me sane.That and the fact my DH is very supportive. Really, the only one of the things I listed that is on my mind, is the first one. The kid is seeing the psychiatrist at my clinic tomorrow for her meds and together we will decide if she needs to be hospitalized. I just didn't feel like I needed to have an assessment done right away, but there's always that nagging thought.

[indysteel]

Wow; it's not often that I totally lose my cool with something, but today I did. We were scheduled to have windows installed in our basement this coming week. The contractor doing the work is the same one that we used last year for the rest of our windows. The work itself was done very well, but we used them again with a lot of hesitation because the saleman we have to deal with is a bit of a jerk. Among other issues, he jacked us around last year because the guys who were set to do the work (it was a 4-day job) do snow removal on the side. This was not revealed ahead of time to us when we scheduled the work. On the day they were set to start, we got a snowstorm and they insisted they had to reschedule--after we had taken days off work. Being generally nice people, we accommodated them. When we went to schedule the current job, the saleman gave us his usual song and dance about how they can't give us a firm date, blah, blah, blah.

Fast forward to this last night and this morning. My husband found out last night that his best friend's father is within 12 to 36 hours of passing away. He's been ill for the last two months, but the family decided to remove life support earlier in the week and he is, at the age of 67, not long for this world. My husband has known this family since he was five, and he's very upset about it. It doesn't help that his friend's mother is in the advanced stages of metasticized breast cancer herself and is also not long for this world. It's a sad situation.

Anyway, we anticipate needing to travel out-of-state to the funeral sometime in the next few days. DH contacted the salesman as soon as we learned this, and he had the inhumanity to give my husband quite a bit of grief about having to reschedule the work. My husband forwarded their email exchange to me, and I went ballistic.

I called the salesman myself at this point. I have sensed in dealing with him that I scare him. People like him are often intimidated by attorneys and, frankly, I use that to my advantage. I was calm and polite about it, but I made it clear that the only correct response was: "I am so sorry for your loss. We will work with you to reschedule." End of story.
He backpedaled a lot and apologized profusely. Then he had the audacity to blame his boss for putting him under pressure to get jobs schdeduled and completed. To which I replied: "You have your boss call me if he has a problem rescheduling work when customer loses a close friend or family member, and I'll tell him what I think of that type of 'customer service.' Need I remind the both of you that we accommodated your crew last year so that they could plow snow? Is your boss going to tell me that's more important than a funeral?"

I realize it's a hassle for contractors when something like this happens, but for the love of God; have some respect. This'll teach me to use a contractor for whom I have misgivings. :mad:

[lph]

(Whoa, didja see the spammer in the goodbye kittie thread, replying to and praising his own post? That's a new tactic.)

Well said and reacted, indysteel!

[Owlie]

(Whoa, didja see the spammer in the goodbye kittie thread, replying to and praising his own post? That's a new tactic.)


That's hilarious.

[Owlie]

What's gotten into me? I bought running shorts today.:eek:

[marni]

What's gotten into me? I bought running shorts today.:eek:

ah hope springs eternal!

marni

[indysteel]

Wow; two funerals in one week. My husband's best friend lost his dad on Thursday, and a college friend of mine lost her dad to ALS the same day. We were in Kentucky the last couple of days fir the former's visitation and funeral and the latter's services are tomorrow and Wednesday. It's a sad week.

[tealtreak]

Wow; two funerals in one week. My husband's best friend lost his dad on Thursday, and a college friend of mine lost her dad to ALS the same day. We were in Kentucky the last couple of days fir the former's visitation and funeral and the latter's services are tomorrow and Wednesday. It's a sad week.
sorry- we seem to hit that age.............parents, friend's parents...yuck..........):

[indysteel]

sorry- we seem to hit that age.............parents, friend's parents...yuck..........):

Yeah, although neither of these men were what I would call "old." One was 67. He survived esophogeal cancer a number if years ago, so he was a tough man. But he contracted a series of infections in his lungs that he just couldn't kick. The second was 71. ALS is an awful way to lose a loved one.

[indysteel]

With all the talk of healthful food and diet on TE, I feel a little ashamed in sharing this, but share I will. I made an authentic Bolognese Ragu for the first time yesterday, and it was obscenely good. It took about 4 1/2 (if not more) hours total between prep and cook time, but it was worth it. DH agreed. I can't wait for the leftovers....

[Catrin]

With all the talk of healthful food and diet on TE, I feel a little ashamed in sharing this, but share I will. I made an authentic Bolognese Ragu for the first time yesterday, and it was obscenely good. It took about 4 1/2 (if not more) hours total between prep and cook time, but it was worth it. DH agreed. I can't wait for the leftovers....

Sounds yummy :) we have to be able to enjoy good food from time to time just for the sake of enjoying it with friends and loved ones!

[spokewench]

What's wrong with Bolognese sauce? Meat, tomatoes, garlic, carrots, onions, celery (maybe) etc.

It might be a little high on the fat side of things, but all things considered, not a bad choice for food! So, we have protein, tomatoes high in licopene, garlic which we all know has all kinds of curative properties, and any of the other veges that are sometimes part of a bolognese are great for you.

[indysteel]

What's wrong with Bolognese sauce? Meat, tomatoes, garlic, carrots, onions, celery (maybe) etc.

It might be a little high on the fat side of things, but all things considered, not a bad choice for food! So, we have protein, tomatoes high in licopene, garlic which we all know has all kinds of curative properties, and any of the other veges that are sometimes part of a bolognese are great for you.

Yeah, it's really the fat content that is a little scary. It has whole milk in it, too, on top of ground chuck and ground pork (I used Marcella Hazan's recipe) The upside is that the sauce goes a long way as you don't drench the pasta in it, and a small portion is satisfying.

Plus, did I mention it was really good? There's something very satisfying about watching simple ingredients transform themselves into something special after hours on the stove.

[Marquise]

With that testimonial I'm going to be shamed into trying it. I have a couple of her books so I must have the recipe, and knowing it will be wonderful and there will be leftovers - well, I simply have no excuse. Maybe next weekend.

[indysteel]

With that testimonial I'm going to be shamed into trying it. I have a couple of her books so I must have the recipe, and knowing it will be wonderful and there will be leftovers - well, I simply have no excuse. Maybe next weekend.

I got it from her Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. PM me if you can't find it. It's yummy, but you really do need to let it simmer for at least three hours.

[Crankin]

I saw two shows about this dish on TV last week. I was so close to ordering it at the really good Italian restaurant I went to on Saturday night. After hearing what's in it, I am glad I didn't.
But, I might try making it! There is something satisfying about cooking something for 3 hours and then enjoying it.

[Owlie]

With all the talk of healthful food and diet on TE, I feel a little ashamed in sharing this, but share I will. I made an authentic Bolognese Ragu for the first time yesterday, and it was obscenely good. It took about 4 1/2 (if not more) hours total between prep and cook time, but it was worth it. DH agreed. I can't wait for the leftovers....

Now I'm hungry. You know me, not one to care about calories. ;)

[marni]

If you can't enjoy an incredibly delicious homemade morsel e very now and then, what is the point of all the exercise and biking? :)

Our indulgence last week was a Moroccan chicken and raisin tangine with pine nuts. As you say, higher in fat but at least it was olive oil, so....... Plus we ha ve another meals worth in the freezer that will be e ven better in a few weeks.

An occasional indulgence meal and an occasional beer are my motivations for two hours a day six days a week.

marni

[Crankin]

Because I don't have the time to exercise 2 hours a day, everyday. I do indulge sometimes, but, I don't like taking the whole next week getting the pounds off.
Even on the weekends, we often choose to do 30-40 mile rides as opposed to 50-100. I've found that when I start riding that much all of the time, I get burned out, as well as needing a lot of recovery time. It's not that I never ride that much, but I'm sort of more into a moderation stage. I mean, most people think I'm nuts because I exercise 6 days a week.

[indysteel]

Because I don't have the time to exercise 2 hours a day, everyday. I do indulge sometimes, but, I don't like taking the whole next week getting the pounds off.
Even on the weekends, we often choose to do 30-40 mile rides as opposed to 50-100. I've found that when I start riding that much all of the time, I get burned out, as well as needing a lot of recovery time. It's not that I never ride that much, but I'm sort of more into a moderation stage. I mean, most people think I'm nuts because I exercise 6 days a week.

At the age of 13, I sort of randomly decided to go on a diet. I wasn't fat at the time so I'm not sure what prompted it, but it set in motion a habit of calorie restriction and disordered eating that would haunt me well into adulthood. I never got thin enough to be labeled as "anorexic," but I rarely ate a meal without some degree of anxiety, and my exercise routine was largely driven by the desire to burn calories.

When I started riding in 2006, I finally started to have a healthier relationship with food and exercise. Food was the fuel I needed to be active and energectic. I'm happy to say that I haven't falled into my old habits since then. I've lost a few pounds and gained a few pounds in that time, but I've always gotten back to my set-point. While exercise is definitely important to me as a means to control my weight, it is not my primary motivation. So, while I realize not everyone can freely indulge (and I don't and can't either), I'm happy to be at a place in my life where I can have a rich meal without guilt. I'll take that over my old hyper-vigilance any day.

[Crankin]

Well, I'm not anorexic , but I am resetting
my set point... a whole 2 lbs. And I feel a lot better with the change in my eating habits. I cook and go out to eat a lot. If I didn't manage what goes into my mouth, it would not be nice. I just can't exercise as hard or long as some.

[indysteel]

Well, I'm not anorexic , but I am resetting
my set point... a whole 2 lbs. And I feel a lot better with the change in my eating habits. I cook and go out to eat a lot. If I didn't manage what goes into my mouth, it would not be nice. I just can't exercise as hard or long as some.

Certainly, I wasn't implying your are anorexic. I was just speaking about my own experience and why it's a positive thing in my life to be able to eat a rich meal without guilt. I fully appreciate that others among us have to make different choices or choose to make different choices. None of us should have to defend those choices, and I'm not asking that you do.

[Marquise]

I got it from her Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. PM me if you can't find it. It's yummy, but you really do need to let it simmer for at least three hours.

I've got that one. Thanks for narrowing down the search and for your advice on a lengthy simmer. That's why the serious cooking only happens on weekends, and when the weather's bad for cycling.

[missjean]

Yeah, it's really the fat content that is a little scary. It has whole milk in it, too, on top of ground chuck and ground pork (I used Marcella Hazan's recipe) The upside is that the sauce goes a long way as you don't drench the pasta in it, and a small portion is satisfying.

Plus, did I mention it was really good? There's something very satisfying about watching simple ingredients transform themselves into something special after hours on the stove.

In my house it is known as The Spaghetti Sauce Everybody Likes. I started making it when my kids were small, and up until my husband had a heart attack, I made it with all the ground beef & pork & cream etc. Now, I make it with lean ground turkey, and 1% milk.

I have gotten use to the low fat versions of food. I use to love kielbasa, boy was it good!, but I hadn't had it in years because of the household dietary changes. Last summer at a bbq, someone brought kielbasa and, yum!, I grabbed a piece - took a bite and yuck! could not eat it - it was sooo greasy.

[Crankin]

Exactly. It's been so long since I ate like that. I knew if I ordered it in a restaurant, I'd feel sick the next day, even if I only ate part. I'd be more likely to make it at home, where I could modify the recipe.
Every summer DH and I start craving onion rings. Then we actually go and eat them, and feel horribly ill for a few hours. You'd think we'd learn.

[OakLeaf]

Ha. I might eat onion rings once every two years but I guess I eat enough other fried stuff (french fries three or four times a year, falafel every couple of months) that the onion rings don't bother me. So much for eating healthy. :o

[lph]

I couldn't find the thread where we were discussing very small houses. But isn't this:
http://podhouse.ch/
one of the cutest chalets/cabins you've ever seen? :)

It appeals to me enormously, even though it's lacking about a zillion of the practical details I'd need irl. I guess it's more of a comfy alternative to a tent, rather than a real cabin. Apart from the fact that you can't lug it into the wilds, but have to stick to camping grounds and other places with road access. *sigh*

But it's so cute!

(darn, the link seems to be dead. This is the newspaper article I found it on:
http://www.dagbladet.no/2012/02/10/tema/hytteliv/klikk/arkitektur/bolig/20162646/ )

[lph]

...and we have yet another spammer tactic - picking out pieces of other peoples old posts and re-posting them. Hadn't seen that one before. I thought it sounded familiar...

[Owlie]

Thread title poetry:
Weekend rides?
Sooo good!
Help...I fell off my bike!!

[Trek420]

I couldn't find the thread where we were discussing very small houses ...

I could not either :( but that house is nice. Speaking of small houses I had 4 people see my condo Friday and Saturday. Next is to see if they like it and qualify based on credit etc. Meanwhile back to packing.

[Crankin]

OK, just looking for an opinion here. This is regarding my slightly "unbalanced" friend. The one whose Facebook posts annoyed me.
We went out with her and her DH on Sat. It was OK, apart from the fact she loudly told our server,"No, we are not going to the show at the club across the street, because we are too old to stay out late :eek:." But, the next day, we were out with DS and DIL. When we mentioned we had been out with my friend, my DIL told me that the last time they were at our house for a holiday, my friend cornered her and started telling her that she needed to "seriously rethink her ideas about her career if she has a baby, you know you have to be home for when they get home, like I did... my husband travelled and I always had to be there..." OK, now I am long past the mommy wars stage and I know she is saying this to justify her own choices. In fact, she still "stays home," despite the fact her son is long out of the house.
I feel that when she starts lecturing a member of my family about personal life choices, she has crossed a boundary. I asked my DIL if she knew that my friend had issues, and she said yes. I also asked if she knew what my friend said is just not true and it's a personal decision. Then, I looked at my son and asked him if he felt like he was "f***ed up" because I worked. His response was that he felt he had a lot of attention from both me and my DH, despite the fact I worked and DH travelled, being gone Monday-Thursday every week, when he was little, just like my friend's husband.
Should I say something, or is it just not worth it?

[Owlie]

OK, just looking for an opinion here. This is regarding my slightly "unbalanced" friend. The one whose Facebook posts annoyed me.
We went out with her and her DH on Sat. It was OK, apart from the fact she loudly told our server,"No, we are not going to the show at the club across the street, because we are too old to stay out late :eek:." But, the next day, we were out with DS and DIL. When we mentioned we had been out with my friend, my DIL told me that the last time they were at our house for a holiday, my friend cornered her and started telling her that she needed to "seriously rethink her ideas about her career if she has a baby, you know you have to be home for when they get home, like I did... my husband travelled and I always had to be there..." OK, now I am long past the mommy wars stage and I know she is saying this to justify her own choices. In fact, she still "stays home," despite the fact her son is long out of the house.
I feel that when she starts lecturing a member of my family about personal life choices, she has crossed a boundary. I asked my DIL if she knew that my friend had issues, and she said yes. I also asked if she knew what my friend said is just not true and it's a personal decision. Then, I looked at my son and asked him if he felt like he was "f***ed up" because I worked. His response was that he felt he had a lot of attention from both me and my DH, despite the fact I worked and DH travelled, being gone Monday-Thursday every week, when he was little, just like my friend's husband.
Should I say something, or is it just not worth it?

While I agree that she crossed a line, I don't think it's worth saying something about it. If she is doing it to justify her own choices, it's not going to make any difference.

[Trek420]

When did we pass a million views? Now up to 1,024,607 views. :D

[indysteel]

Grrrr; I chipped a tooth last night. I don't think I've ever done that before. I have an appointment Monday morning with my dentist. I don't know if she'll end up filing it down a bit or trying to correct it. I sure hope it doesn't chip further in the meantime.

[bmccasland]

Grrrr; I chipped a tooth last night. I don't think I've ever done that before. I have an appointment Monday morning with my dentist. I don't know if she'll end up filing it down a bit or trying to correct it. I sure hope it doesn't chip further in the meantime.

Owww. Be careful what you eat. Hope you get your smile back soon :D:o

[indysteel]

Owww. Be careful what you eat. Hope you get your smile back soon :D:o

Thanks! It's the canine on the side I tend to chew on, so I'm going to have to be careful. I have so much money wrapped up in my mouth (I had braces from 2007 to 2011); this is par for the course.

[Catrin]

Thanks! It's the canine on the side I tend to chew on, so I'm going to have to be careful. I have so much money wrapped up in my mouth (I had braces from 2007 to 2011); this is par for the course.


Youch! I hope you don't have much pain from it over the weekend and things go well Monday. Pity they couldn't fit you in earlier.

[indysteel]

Youch! I hope you don't have much pain from it over the weekend and things go well Monday. Pity they couldn't fit you in earlier.

They could have, but we're shorthanded today at my office and have a trial this afternoon. Unfortunately, my dentist doesn't work on Fridays.

[redrhodie]

Mad Men countdown. Anyone else excited?

[Catrin]

Is it me, or has there been an increase of really odd spammers in the wee hours of the day? Earlier this week there was one person who posted a BUNCH of 1-word posts, more than likely trying to get past a newbie filter.

[malkin]

Mad Men countdown. Anyone else excited?

I was, but after watching the first one...meh.
(Although I did get a kick out of the Roger character singing Frere Jacques.)

[NbyNW]

Mad Men countdown. Anyone else excited?

So glad the show is back!

[Anelia]

After looking at pictures from today's bike ride and especially the moments when we had small breaks and I took off my helmet, I wonder how to change my hairstyle so that my hair doesn't look so horrible.
Do have your hair short or long?

[Crankin]

Short.
Very short for the reasons you stated.

[Owlie]

Mine's quite long. I also have no hairstyle (I just tie it back in a ponytail and re-tie it as necessary), so I may be the worst person to ask.

Today's lesson:
Never go to visit cute animals unless you have the resources to take one home with you.

I took a friend to visit the university's former lab cats, which they are adopting out. I fell in love with a gorgeous tortie-tabby who pretty much demanded that if you were touching her, you had to rub her belly. If you stopped, she'd roll around and try to grab your hand and push it back. I turned into a goo puddle. Also another tortie-tabby and a black one--those two were more like me in cat form.
Alas, my complex would require another $100+ a month to have a cat, not to mention vet care, food, litter...and having to move--potentially across the country--with the cat in a year or so. So no kitty for me, at least not until I graduate and find a more pet-friendly apartment and have income enough to take care of two, so that they can keep each other company when I'm not around. (Also, the boyfriend knows more about cats than I do, so him being here would be a plus.)
Perhaps the department has funds to keep them around as therapy cats? :rolleyes:

[malkin]

Do have your hair short or long?

Short.
Cap under helmet.
Cap stays on or hair is scary!

[marni]

After looking at pictures from today's bike ride and especially the moments when we had small breaks and I took off my helmet, I wonder how to change my hairstyle so that my hair doesn't look so horrible.
Do have your hair short or long?

I wear my hair in a number 6 buzz all over. Not only does this eliminate the inevitable helmet head, but it also avoids the scary looking hairdos of Ms Ikes 2 am hair stylings.

marni

[indysteel]

Please let me leave for vacation on Saturday without killing myself in the meantime. On my way out of my building a few minutes ago on a trip to my bank, I tripped and fell down 4-5 limestone steps. I hit my left knee and my left elbow. Both are torn up a bit. Owie. Oh, and my skirt totally flew up as I landed on the pavement in front of an offloading city bus. One of the men standing there says--as he kindly helped me up--"you sure fell pretty." I don't know if he meant I fell hard or if I fell with my panties showing. :o Dear Lord....

[Catrin]

Yikes Indy, I hope you are ok! I bet he just meant that you fell in a lady-like manner and that your skirt didn't really fly up that high :)

[Pax]

Holy cow, Indy!!

Sending you soothing vacation vibes... where ya going??

[OakLeaf]

Yikes, Indy! Hope you aren't as messed up from your fall as I am from mine. Have a good vacation...

[indysteel]

Holy cow, Indy!!

Sending you soothing vacation vibes... where ya going??

Thanks, dear!

Utah. We're doing the same tour that Veronica just did along the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP. Then we have another four days in Moab for some hiking and chillin'. I'm excited (and a wee bit scared, as I'm not as well trained for this as I'd like).

How you doing these days? How's your mom and your honey? And your new hot bike?

[indysteel]

Yikes, Indy! Hope you aren't as messed up from your fall as I am from mine. Have a good vacation...

I'll be fine. How are YOU? I haven't checked in on the running thread lately because I've only been on a couple of runs these last few weeks. Have your run your marathon yet? If so, how'd it go?

[Pax]

Thanks, dear!

Utah. We're doing the same tour that Veronica just did along the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP. Then we have another four days in Moab for some hiking and chillin'. I'm excited (and a wee bit scared, as I'm not as well trained for this as I'd like).

How you doing these days? How's your mom and your honey? And your new hot bike?

Oooh, Utah! So beautiful!! have a wonderful time.

Things are getting better, I'm starting to get my life back, mom is starting to get hers back, my honey is finally NOT working 70-80, we've been out riding motorcycles!! :p

[redrhodie]

Ouch Indy. "You sure fell pretty" is the best thing I've heard anyone say in that situation, when pretty is the last thing you're feeling. Hope you're not hurt!

Have fun!

[OakLeaf]

I'll be fine. How are YOU? I haven't checked in on the running thread lately because I've only been on a couple of runs these last few weeks. Have your run your marathon yet? If so, how'd it go?

Thanks for asking. Marathon is a week from Saturday. It's been tough trying to get treatment for my neck though, especially since we just moved back north and I don't have a chiropractor or a decent massage therapist here yet. Tried to see someone yesterday and long story, but it was bad news and didn't happen. Have an appointment with someone else tomorrow... I can race the way I am if I have to, but my neck is so far out that something's pressing on my trachea (SCM tendon by the feel of it), and on top of the muscle spasms that's really uncomfortable.

Utah is beautiful. Have a wonderful time!

Pax, glad things are settling down for you, and that you're getting a chance to blow some of those cobwebs out on that sexy 600. :)

[indysteel]

(((Oak))). I hope you get straightened out soon and in time for the race. It seems like every year brings something new, or at I feel that way about my own injuries/illnesses. I at least got my endo to take me off the anti-thyroid drugs. I've been mildly hypo since last fall. Here's hoping!

[indysteel]

So while I've long been a reader, I've always shied away from the Classics--to my detriment, of course. Anyway, I started Dickens' Bleak House last night on my relatively new Kindle. So far so good, although I decided to print off a list of characters so I can keep everybody straight as I read. Is anybody here a Dickens fan?

[indysteel]

I'm glad things are getting better for you and your mom, Pax. It's good to see you on TE! We've missed you!

[Catrin]

So while I've long been a reader, I've always shied away from the Classics--to my detriment, of course. Anyway, I started Dickens' Bleak House last night on my relatively new Kindle. So far so good, although I decided to print off a list of characters so I can keep everybody straight as I read. Is anybody here a Dickens fan?

I love Dickens, and Bleak House is my favorite - though it is named quite well... I also like to collect BBC versions of Dicken's stories from the 80's and early 90's, they are quite well done and stick quite closely to the story as Dickens wrote them.

[Catrin]

Thanks for asking. Marathon is a week from Saturday. It's been tough trying to get treatment for my neck though, especially since we just moved back north and I don't have a chiropractor or a decent massage therapist here yet. Tried to see someone yesterday and long story, but it was bad news and didn't happen. Have an appointment with someone else tomorrow... I can race the way I am if I have to, but my neck is so far out that something's pressing on my trachea (SCM tendon by the feel of it), and on top of the muscle spasms that's really uncomfortable.


Somehow I missed this, Oakleaf, I am so sorry that you are going through this. It sounds, very much, like what I went through with my whiplash injury...now I need to go to the running thread and see what happened! I hope that you are able to do your marathon and you are feeling much better by then.

[Pax]

So while I've long been a reader, I've always shied away from the Classics--to my detriment, of course. Anyway, I started Dickens' Bleak House last night on my relatively new Kindle. So far so good, although I decided to print off a list of characters so I can keep everybody straight as I read. Is anybody here a Dickens fan?

I always liked Great Expectations. When I was 18 or so I found an old leather bound copy of it in a used bookstore in Brown County IN. I struggled to part with the $10 or so they were asking, but it was leather! I still have it 30+ years later, my first "real" book purchase. :D

[Owlie]

I think we have another spammer... Or are winter shoes and nut butter related in ways that I cannot fathom?

[Reesha]

LOL I was thinking that too... :D

Ways nut butter and winter shoes could be related:

#1. Fill winter shoes with nut butter and dangle from a tree branch for birds too eat off
#2. Nut butter and winter shoes both help keep you warm when its cold?
#3. Women who would by cycling specific winter shoes tend to eat lots of high end nut butters as well...

....? :p

[OakLeaf]

Dogs love to chew on both! :D

[Crankin]

Where's Mimi?

[OakLeaf]

I was wondering that myself. Hope everything's okay with her and Don.

[Fredwina]

without revealing too much, a lot of water's gone under the bridge with them, judging by Facebook - will try and send her a message there.

[withm]

Raleighdon posted an update of sorts on BJ the other day.

[Fredwina]

Mimi retired today!:)
Don is still Battling Cancer. he had an esophagectomy , but it regrew itself, and he's been in and is now using a feeding tube (If I have read everyting correctly)
Eat a donut (or two), or if donuts make you fat, watch this here video (about 2:58)
http://youtu.be/yAp1I9N7Ao0
:p

[marni]

http://youtu.be/yAp1I9N7Ao0[/url]
:p

I just love that song.

The timing is perfect on this video as my sister and I (along with 28 other women mostly over the age of 50) will be riding into Memphis on May 13, and we have a day off in Memphis on the 14th before continuing to ride up the Mississippi from New Orleans to Lake Itasca, MN.

Will be leaving next Wednesday for the 30 day cross country which will officially roll out on May 4th after meet and greet, orientation and obligatory weighing of the luggage so that no one goes over the weight allowance.

I am collecting piles of clothing, gear and stuff along with multiple lists. Our second day is a 94 mile day so I will get to see straight off how well the training plan worked. I figure I will probably throw in, or at least will try to, ride an extra 8 miles so I can claim century number 6. There will be four opportunities throughout the trip.

Bounding up and down.

[Crankin]

Good luck, Marni. I am sure your training will have paid off.

[Fredwina]

I just love that song.

. As someone how has spent way too time(both mom and Dad grew up there), I agree

[shootingstar]

Best of luck mimi with time with Don and your artwork.

[lph]

Well wow. The latest spammer is certainly a wellrounded person with many interests - chinese agriculture, shanghai fashion and blood beverages...:rolleyes:

[Catrin]

Good luck Mimi and Don!

[indysteel]

I love when I see workouts yield results with real-world applicability. I normally hate having to lay mulch each summer. I always struggled to wield those heavy bags around the yard. Well, this year, I was hauling and throwing them around like they weighed very little. Thanks, Trainer Blane!!!! Next time you have me throw the kettle balls around, I won't whine at all!!!

[Sky King]

Was quite a shock to roll up to a bike event last week and see the DH's Bridgestone MB1, that had been stolen from him 10 years ago, locked in the bike rack. He visited with the new owner who bought it about six months ago for a pretty penny from someone else. The consolation was knowing that the current owner appreciates and understands the bike and that the DH may actually get to "visit" it upon occasion. For grins, he did talk to the police and the statue of limitations is 5 years.

[indysteel]

Oh my gosh, Sky King. What were the chances for that?

[lph]

Ok, I haven't seen this posted here before, and I really needed something nice to look it. It's wonderful. Takes 17 minutes, but the diction... the overalls! the faith in bicycles! "A boon to man."

Take a look :)

How a Bicycle is Made (1945): http://vimeo.com/39401575

[Catrin]

LPH, thanks for the link, that was good to see!

I saw this earlier today and shared it on FB. I couldn't find a non-FB link to it or I would have just linked it. I assume this is a product of Photoshop but it is sweet and just hit me. Also correct.

[Blueberry]

Pondering shipping:

I ordered 3 things on Monday (odd for me to order that much, but anyway....)

One arrived Tuesday. Wrong size; re-order arrived Wednesday.

One arrived Today.

One *shipped* yesterday, and will arrive maybe Tuesday of next week.

No special orders, all in stock, all free shipping, all large companies.

Wonder which company I won't be likely to re-order from. Retailers need to get it that waiting 4 days just to ship regular old in stock items is NOT OK. So glad TE (and lots of other retailers) get it.

[katluvr]

Just venting...
Work is very busy, so busy I feel I am not doing a good job taking care of my patients!

Tired and hard to get my mid week runs in! Worry I will not be in shape for Pikes Peak.

Tired of trying to lose wt but really not doing anything about it!

Sad, I miss my 18 year old kitty...I hope she understands I did what I thought was best for her.

Hate packing for a week long conference, clothes for the evening and workout stuff. What if I forget something?

I really should turn off computer and lights and get some sleep!

K

[indysteel]

(((katluvr))). Sounds like you need a good night sleep. I'm sorry that you're feeling stressed and sad about your cat. Hang on there.

[indysteel]

Wow; what a weird day. The power in our building went out at 2 p.m., while we were in the middle of sorting out an emergency hearing. It was out for about an hour and a half, and by the time it came back on at 3:30, the server was still down, so we still couldn't get much done. Ugh.

At 4:30, I met with my trainer at our worksite gym. The workout went well, but during the final stretches, I started to feel kind of funky. DH felt sort of off last night, too, so I wasn't overly surprised. I went back to my office and a few minutes later, I rushed to a toilet and threw up. I haven't thrown up in years (and, no, I'm not pregnant). It's the worst.

So, great. I feel okay at the moment, so maybe it was working out after a bit too big of a lunch. I'm just chilling for a bit to make sure I'm okay to drive home. Ugh; just make this day end.

[indysteel]

On a happier note, DH and I have decided to formally rehome a little stray cat that showed up on our doorstep in April. We have been opposed to taking in another cat (if you recall, we cared for some strays last year, too) because one of our existing cats has had some health issues. But we've decided to at least try with the newest stray, mostly because we've fallen in love with her. We've named her Matilda or Mattie.

Matilda's about one year old, but is the size of an older kitten. Her nickname is "Itty Bitty Kitty." I think she tips the scale at 5 pounds. She's short haired and black, with patches of white on her chest and belly. She's about the sweetest thing ever and loves to cuddle. But she's playful, too. She's just about everything I'd want in a cat. As it is, we have one cuddler who isn't overly playful and a playful cat who doesn't like to cuddle. Matilda is the total package, so to speak.

We had her spayed and vaccinated about three weeks ago, and she's going back to the vet tomorrow for a fuller checkup. I think she has ear mites and those need to be eradicated before she has contact with our cats. I've used Advantage Multi with them off and on over the years, but I'll get some for all three of them. She also likely has worms. She's already tested negative for FIV and FeLV. From there, it'll just be a slow introduction process. Our existing cats have smelled her on us and seen her outside for a while now. I'm going to take it in really small steps, so as to not stress out our geriatric cat too much. If it looks like it's just not going to work, then we're back to where we are now, so I'm not sure we have too much to lose. I sure hope it works out.

[redrhodie]

Awww, Indy, I hope you feel better.

The new Kitty sounds like a keeper. I hope the other cats agree!

[indysteel]

Awww, Indy, I hope you feel better.

The new Kitty sounds like a keeper. I hope the other cats agree!

Thanks, Red. I made it home in one piece and mostly feel okay. I hope it was just a fluke.

How are you doing these days? I was out for ice cream with DH last week and, I know this may sound strange, but it made me think fondly of you and your dad. The anniversary of his passing is approaching if memory serves. Hugs to you. Those milestones are always hard.

[redrhodie]

Yes, it is. July 23. He would love that you thought of him! This was a tough year, but I have been feeling a lot better recently.

The restaurant where we had the ice cream that last day together just renovated, so the seats we sat at are different already. I was disappointed when I saw them changing things, because I wanted to go back and sit in the same seats, but now I see the beauty in that. Life is change. I'll still go there and remember him.

Thanks for the hugs.

[Crankin]

Last night we went out to dinner at a tapas restaurant in Boston. I've been there a couple of times before. A young man led us up the stairs to our table; as I was going up behind him, I was thinking that I wonder if he's trying to see if the old people can get up these stairs as fast as me? I hadn't really seen his face when we were walking.
As he seated us, he looked at me and said, "Mrs. M?," and he gave me a big hug.
It was one of my all time favorite students. I had both him and his sister for 2 years, looping from 6th to 7th grade. I was very close to his mom. I knew his family (grandfather and uncle) owned a couple of tapas places, but I never thought I might see him. He's starting his junior year at Northeastern U and his sister is about to start college at the university I just got my master's from.
This was one of the best post "teacher moments" I have ever had.

[lph]

Just had to tell you guys about this. We went to see the highly informal "Deathing World Championship" yesterday (38 Norwegians, 1 Dane, 1 Swede) at Oslos largest swimming pool. It was hilarious. Death diving is a "sport" I assume young men all over the world practice, but here they've defined it as: diving or jumping in a spread-eagled position, belly down, and going into a tuck before hitting the water. Style points are given for speed, height, fearlessness, lateness of tuck and cool tricks along the way of course. And as they will freely admit, this is a really a championship in showing off and impressing the girls :D

Check out the short video from the local newspaper:
http://www.aftenposten.no/webtv/--Dods-or-die-6847020.html

Or the really very nice official video from last year's - not completely SFW:
http://vimeo.com/28152824

[malkin]

The year I lived in Norway, I remember thinking that the boys went completely bananas in the springtime. Looks like maybe that hasn't changed!
(What did that one guy stick in his pants?)

[lph]

Small beach crabs. I hope they were just plastic...

[snapdragen]

I was going to ask if he stuffed crabs down his pants. Crazy fun!

[indysteel]

I love TE. In recent months, I've had some questions about the fit of some products I either bought or wanted to buy. In two instances, an employee took the time to actually compare the fit of different products to one another. Another took the time to make sure that I promptly received some bike shorts that appeared to be on back order. I mean what other retailer habitually provides this kind of support and service? Plus, when I talk to someone there (Edna and Theresa come to mind), it's liking talking to a friend. They're so patient, and I know that I'm talking to people who actually use these products--maybe not the specific item I'm calling about--but they "get it." Thanks so much Susan; your company rocks.

[redrhodie]

I love TE. Plus, when I talk to someone there (Edna and Theresa come to mind), it's liking talking to a friend. They're so patient, and I know that I'm talking to people who actually use these products--maybe not the specific item I'm calling about--but they "get it." Thanks so much Susan; your company rocks.

Do they know you're Indysteel, or do you stay anonymous?

[indysteel]

Do they know you're Indysteel, or do you stay anonymous?

Anonymous. At most, they know I participate on the forums, but that doesn't always come out in the conversation.

[Catrin]

I've spoken with TE staff a good number of times over the last few years and my experience matches what others have said here. They had no idea if I was a forum member or not, but in my opinion TE has the best customer service possible for an internet-based store and most brick and mortar stores.

[Catrin]

I've been going through a lot in recent months, severe financial stress (enough said) and other unrelated stressors that have certainly stretched me to my limits. I am starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel, and while it is hard right now to say what that light is (could be the headlight of a freight train, or the dawn of a new day) I just want to say the following:

I am very thankful for all that I DO have, a job that I love, an apartment that makes me feel like it is home, mountain biking and cycling that helps me connect to the world around me, and....

I am especially thankful for all of you here at TE. Given my posting history here this may sound odd, but I tend to isolate myself, especially when under stress, but this forum we have here is so supportive that I keep coming back to it. I love that we do share something of our lives with each other. It might be a "virtual" sharing but in the end that hasn't mattered, and it has been great to meet some of you in person.

Ok, I've had my say...

[Owlie]

Hugs. Money worries suck enough, without having other stuff on top of it.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Catrin))))) Hang in there. Hoping the light at the end of that tunnel is everything you're hoping for...

[redrhodie]

I just saw the remnants of a car vs. bike crash, and it didn't look good. The SUV had a smashed windshield, and the mangled bike was still on the side of the road. I feel kind of sick now. I hope the rider is still alive. I'll try to find out more.