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I just enjoy meeting and getting to know people, regardless of their gender expression or sexual orientation. I'm always open to a having a fun and/or good conversation and sometimes they can even be unexpectedly meaningful. Besides, going any further than Hi or ending an interaction can be up to me not them. Ending even a bad interaction in a nice way leaves me feeling good about my role in it too.Quote:
Originally Posted by smilingcat
I once knew someone like this - but it was more complex as she had gone through the gender reassignment surgery "process" - she considered herself a lesbian rather than trans. She was proud of her path and was always clear where she came from. So far, to the best of my knowledge, she is the only person I've known who has gone through the full surgical process.Quote:
Originally Posted by smilingcat
Dear Volkswagon:
You suck. Your customers are tired of being patient. I tried to trade my 2011 diesel Jetta yesterday (since I had wanted to trade it since before your little indiscretion became public for reasons like - repair cost). We have one income and a boatload of med school loans coming in. The fact that this car basically can't be traded because you cheated is infuriating. It's insulting that you are now considering offering 1200 in gift cards, most of which can't be spent anywhere but VW for your overpriced service. We found the very rare perfect used Subie yesterday. Now I have to decide whether to take a 5k bath on this car, own 2 cars, or let a car that I won't easily find again go. You are leaving me no choice but to dust off my law degree and use it.
Hah. Yes. I practiced for 9 years, and realized I didn't want to do it for the rest of my life. Went back to the drawing board, took all the pre-med classes, and I'm in my first year of Med School. I call it my mid-life crisis. Sometimes nuts, but so worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Muirenn
Do it when you have the time!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Muirenn
Lifelong learning with things like credit or non-credit academic courses, community service and volunteerism, educational travel etc. can expand awareness, self-fulfillment and truly create a multi-dimensional life. Listening to or taking part in stimulating discussions can also help us open our minds and understand better the other side of an issue.
The on-line formats of free continuing educational courses today also helps to ensure that learning activities are accessible to anyone that is interested in participating.
I got my second master's (in clinical mental health counseling) at age 55, so it's never too late. But, I've always been in school. When you are a teacher, it's part of the plan. I love going to school, so I never minded. Finished all but the internship for a Certificate of Advanced Grad Studies in Ed Admin, then decided I was done with teaching. But, I learned a lot in those classes, and I don't regret it. I also was involved with a Spencer Foundation grant (my boss said we would never get it!) on teaching creative writing, and did 2 years of stuff around that; workshops, and retreats that were awesome. It was a ton of work, to justify the 20K they gave us.
Blueberry, all things about cars suck...
The VW situation is appalling. I know two people who are affected -- one just bought his car a few months ago.
My degrees are in marketing. When I changed careers to software development I took classes in a continuing education program at a local college. It was not inexpensive. Now I am wondering if I have a future in this field or if it's time to find something else, but I don't want to go into debt for more schooling. I also don't feel like I have the mental energy for it anymore.
That's where I'm at here, having zero luck finding a job so giving some thought to finding a program that might offer better opportunities... but I just don't have the mental energy anymore.Quote:
Originally Posted by ny biker
I thought Pax that when you were moving to Florida it was for retirement. Sorry you are having a hard time finding a job. :(
My retirement (early since I'm only 55) was hoped for but my pension is tied up by being on my wife's benefits. If I draw now I lose my high quality affordable health insurance.Quote:
Originally Posted by Helene2013
ah. What a bummer.
You have no idea how complicated that was -- you said flat-out you didn't believe me when I told you it would take a lot of work. You have no idea how much effort I put into it. And we sailed through the customer demo with no problems.
You're welcome.
I totally feel ya, Pax! I am taking online Spanish lessons, and even that is enough for me. I just can't imagine going back to school for anything significant at this point, and I'm "only" 54. "That ship has done sailed," as they say in the south! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Pax
I also get the health insurance thing. DH and I are living on such little income now (by choice) that we qualify for an extremely good and low-cost ACA plan (silver with cost sharing). We are toying with the idea of buying a nice RV next year, but if we do so, we have to take money out of one of our retirement accounts (which we haven't touched yet), thus increasing our income and having to pay a lot more for health insurance premiums, plus more out of pocket for any care we might need. It's a real dilemma, and we have to decide by Dec. 15th. Since we like living kinda spontaneously at this point in our lives, having to decide what we are going to do mid-next year is challenging.
Ah well, I am not complaining. We are super fortunate to be early retired and not have to work, and I don't take that for granted for a minute.
I wish you well in your job hunt!
Hi Pax,
I know the feeling well. I "lost" my job back in 2010. People were still not hiring. Long story short, I decided to pull myself up by the boot strap and decided to farm.
I already knew lot about growing/gardening and was pretty good at it. And rather then waiting to burn through my limited funds, I jumped into farming. If it doesn't pan out, I can sell the farm property and get my money back out and only thing I lose is the sweat equity I put into it. Meanwhile I get to eat really fresh and high quality produce.
See what you are good at and something you like. And see how you could turn it into a money making venture. It doesn't have to be big. Just so that there is some money coming in. Far better than no money coming in.
If you need to break into something, start volunteering first to get your foot in the door.
I started volunteering at the local marine discovery center last week, it's interesting and allows me to network a bit as most of the volunteers are younger retirees who know lots of people in town. If I wasn't so limited by this crappy knee I'd have so many more jobs to look at.
....and, if it's like the MDC in Santa Cruz here, help with environmental community stewardship work too :) hoping you meet some new interesting people!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Pax
Did my first day and really enjoyed it, met the executive director and mentioned I'd like to learn to work with the live exhibits, so he set up a training class for next Monday... I get to work with the sharks and turtles, and... Yay!Quote:
Originally Posted by rebeccaC
Lucky you Pax...enjoy it and hoping it takes you to a paying job. :)
Thanks, Helene. Sure is nice to have someplace to be once in a while.
Wow! Best of luck with your new endeavor.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pax
It's a tiny little facility, but the displays are top notch, I imagine I'll learn a lot. And it's great getting out of the house and meeting new people.Quote:
Originally Posted by ny biker
That's very cool, Pax. Sounds like an interesting gig!
Sounds like fun Pax! May the current crappy knee relent, but until then I'm glad you've found this nice gig that is both interesting and you get to network!
Yeah, hanging out with the creatures is a big plus, fascinating all.
How exciting!! It's one of those dream jobs where you get to pet animals that regular people never get to touch. I'm definitely envious.
It's just a volunteer slot, but it's really fun any which way!Quote:
Originally Posted by smilingcat
Dear seller, thank you for putting this lovely little home up for sale at a really decent price. Thank you to my partner's real estate friend for letting us know the place was being offered because we got to see it before the pictures were even taken or the ad was put online. We fell in love as we walked up to it. There was no doubt it was what we were waiting for all of this time. No compromise, just perfect as is. Thank you to the boring mortgage people who are really damn good at what they do and got this financed earlier than we ever expected. My closing is just over 2 weeks out and I'm already fully okayed for the loan. Thank you to the seller for removing the wood stove insert that was too old to be certified. I was willing to pay the dude to take it but you graciously did it in time for the bank appraiser to sign off. To the underwriter, I have no damn idea what you actually do, but what ever it was, you did good. A one day turn around on that part blew my mind. If I knew what beer you like, I'd drop off a case after we close.
Thank you to my honey for being the most incredible person I've ever met in my life. You are amazing and loving and giving and I don't ever have to worry about anything. You are a hero in many ways to many people. Being a female paramedic firefighter, you see your responsibility to young girls to show them that you can do that traditionally male career as well or better than your male crew. Those guys treasure having you on their team and you are highly respected. You have been so incredible this entire time. Your ethics and integrity shine through in every part of your life and I love that about you. Your two boys are fantastic young men and you are bringing them up to be sensitive and tolerant to all people, not just those who are like them. In a small town, that can be hard to do but you go out of your way to guide them down that better path. Even the dog is cool. I've practically thrown my arm off with that border collie over the past few months. He's getting a special treat for Xmas, a ball launcher. I admit, it's as much for me as it is for him but he doesn't need to know that. He just needs to know that he's a good boy and is loved and he now has a job of fetching a ball instead of herding my 2 cats who, I must say, have been very tolerant. But... I can see the girl is about to take one of his eyes out if he doesn't give her a bit more space more often. LOL. So, life is great and I'm happy. Not stressed about the move, just excited to be living at the coast. The commute may be a long one and many wouldn't understand why I'd drive all of that way, but it's through a rain forest and not during rush hour traffic. I start later in the day so I can take time to hang with you and the kids in the mornings, drop them at school, take the dog to the beach for an hour of fetch and then head to work. And when I get home, after a 90 min drive through the rain forest, after all of the traumas I deal with all day at work, I'm decompressed and ready to crawl into bed next to my girl with a good attitude. I'll be able to hear the ocean out the window, feel the evening breezes, have a tiny but cozy home full of love. That's worth more than any amount of money.
Oh HELL yeah!!
That just made my day even happier, ”cozy home full of love” indeed!!!!!!
….and it made me think about designing eyepatches/goggles for border collie’s who have a herding the cats problem :D
eta...and your response made me laugh pax........:)
xr, your home, life, and commute sound like a dream. Congrats.
Yay XRayted - so, so happy for you! :)
Very big smile from reading this, so glad for you!
Great story, happy beginnings!
Ooh, can you make them puggle sized for small dogs with a Napolean complex?Quote:
Originally Posted by rebeccaC
Dear xrayted, congratulations on your new home (and love life). Wonderful!
Thank you for sharing, xrayted. I hope you and your family have many happy years in your new home.
I may have to take you up on those doggy goggles if this launcher doesn't work. But I've never met a border collie who wasn't obsessed with a ball and this guy is no exception. He had dogs at the beach barking and growling at him and he was just keeping his eye on that ball in my hand. No other person or dog existed. Lol. He's such a sweetheart. :D
He was left at her ex's house to be a companion to the boys when they are over there but ex decided to keep him outside on a concrete pad in 20 degree temps, then decided to not feed him or bathe him or let him out of the kennel. She found out through the kids that he was doing that and went right over and rescued him. No asking permission, just took the dog and brought him home. She and her dad cut the huge matted chunks of grunge and feces off of him and took him to a doggy wash. Then in one day, he went from an outside farm dog to an inside family dog. He was still a bit stinky and scratching like crazy because he had so many hot spots so we used clippers on him and took a ton of hair off of him so we could really get down to his skin and then bathed him again. Added a few days of Benedryl, some hydrocortizone cream and better food without grains or fillers. He feels so much better now. He's such a happy dog with his boys and his moms taking care of him. Somehow, he ended up with tons of turkey over Thanksgiving. :rolleyes:
It only took 2 days to get the launcher once I ordered it. I ordered it Monday and it got to my house Weds. I'm impressed with the company. It's a really good product. Go check out videos for GoDogGo ball launcher. That thing is worth the $$. I'm going over there in a few minutes to give him his Xmas gift a bit early. He will still have some toys and bones to open but this can't wait. He's going to flip out. UPS I'm not so happy with... they put the box out on my deck with no roof instead of my front door which has a roof over it. So, the whole thing got soaked from the heavy rain we had. I have no idea why they did that. I checked it over and it seems to be okay. Time to go see if Buddy likes his gift. Have a great night, TE. I miss you ladies a lot.
Thinking Buddy is happy to be a loved inside family dog on this journey of his.
not goggles but might this work?Quote:
Originally Posted by Trek420
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5672/...ec7c6953_z.jpg
:)
Too cute to be Napoleon besides, I think he is part of admiralty ;)
Dear handyman who had installed the microwave before we bought this house and to the manufacturer of the microwave.
Two wrongs do make it right some time. It's been a few month when the microwave that came with the house went ZZZZ ZAP FLASH then HUGE KABOOM. Replacement for it was fairly low on the list of things as we had super cheap counter top micro. We only use to heat our drinks, and thaw out or to remove chill from left overs...
Black Friday and Cyber Monday came with some descent deals so we bought a new one. We weren't too particular about the features so it made it easy to pick. Came home from big box store. Removed the old micro over the range, installed the mounting bracket for the new one. Then I pulled out the new micro out of the box. Funny thing??? Top right side had weird curve to it. It was crushed. Remove the new mounting bracket, return the crushed unit to the box store for a replacement. But none available in stock so they would have to order it with delivery charge... No thanks. So found another unit for the same price but it didn't have the features of the crushed unit. Power down feature would have been very nice but oh well.
Came home with the second micro. This time I took it out of the box and made sure it was intact and all the pieces there and it was.
Now about the handyman who had installed the last one. He had swiss cheesed the shelf over the micro because well god knows why? I couldn't use it so I had demo it out and install a new shelf. Pre-cut the opening for the vent, plug hole, mounting hole and installed. Installed cabinets are not square. :( so had to cut the shelf crooked to fit in the cabinet. made sure the shelf I installed was level left to right and front to back.
And the vent duct work. What a piece of wood work. Demo'd it out too. And I see why there was so much draft coming into the house. BTW, the broken microwave had the vent fan installed all wrong and it was set to vent into the room and not through the vent duct out of the top.
The replacement micro has the same exterior dimension so it was easy to line up the new mounting brackets. popped in the micro and raised it into place. :( :( :( The micro is tilted down on the front side by over an half an inch. Now that we think about it, it explains why the old microwave door flung open. bottom of the mounting bracket is butted up to splash board granite tile. Tried cutting with my angle grinder/saw and it just ate threw the abrasive saw. Didn't want to hammer out the tile... Long story short, I managed to mount the bracket 1/2" lower, install the microwave into place. level left to right and now its about 3/32" low in the back.
So had the micro not blow up, we would never have figured out that it was installed incorrectly. Handyman's handywork was so bad, I didn't have to think about how to make it work. It was back to the drawing board. As for the vent duct work, I think I will make it out of 1/16" thick aluminum (I happen to have sizeable sheets of it).
So now, the door doesn't fly open. Venting actually will vent to the outside, have a shelf over the micro that we can actually use. Everything is now right well except for not being quite level front to back. YAYYY!!!
So appliances either fixed or replace since my teenage days: dryer (repaired several times over), washer (repaired once or twice) dishwasher (repaired once), replaced at least half a dozen garbage disposal, install brand new sink with new faucets, replaced counter top stove, garage door opener (repaired once) and now replaced microwave. Then there was the complete rewiring of my parents house, complete rebuild of my partners deck at her house. I had to demo all of the deck including the footing.
Who says women can't do these things? Whooey to them. I'm a happy camper for now.
Impressive work, Brava!!
My dad was a contractor, he charged extra when he had to work in spaces previously "remodeled", he knew that 90% of the time it would be a fiasco of dealing with prior poor/shoddy/dangerous work.
This sounds like some of the things my DH has found while remodeling our condo. While the construction and walls between the units are great (and not done this way anymore), the electrical and plumbing was done in several weird ways, only apparent when the walls were knocked out. Then there was the day that he went over there, just to drop some stuff off. While in the basement, he heard some crackling.Turns out the breakers were done all wrong, and it is very likely our new house would have burned down, before we moved in. He fixed that and several other things, but a couple of these things required an electrician or plumber.