Dear So and So

[Blueberry]

Owlie-

Most utilities don't report to Credit Bureaus for good stuff. Sometimes not even bad stuff. So they're not building up your credit, sadly. Learned this one the hard way. Indysteel has given you wise advice - one card, pay it off monthly (but do use it). That will help. Credit does take time to build, though....

[Crankin]

Mudmucker, I am sorry you are going through this again. I like your attitude.
If you ever want to ride, let me know, although you will probably drop me like a hot potato.
I have similarly great insurance, with no deductible and no referrals required. I went to so many specialists when I was sick a few years ago, and they didn't question one thing. They paid for all of my DH's angioplasty, second opinions at the Brigham and MGH. They even paid for one of my kids to have an experimental surgery to cure his Raynauds, out of state (it worked).
I worry about what will happen when DH retires... he is hoping to work out a deal with the company to get some kind of help with maintaining this coverage... although we still have awhile.

[Biciclista]

happiness is when you discover that it really is easier to ride your bike to the doctor appointment then it is to drive (and park and pay for parking) or take the bus.
Then even better was waiting in the dr's office with my DH and my DS, all of us in bike duds. and then riding home on a perfect day with my honey.
Chemo & Radiation starts on Monday. scary stuff.

[marni]

dear biciclista,

Hang in there, it is scary, but you ride, you can do it.

Mudmucker, I am so sorry that you are back in the fray, but bless the insurance.

marni

[Owlie]

((Mudmucker, Mimi and RD))

Indy et al:
If utilities don't report to credit agencies (I didn't know this), then that makes sense. I do have a CC, and I'm not putting a whole lot on it. It's far easier to charge things to it than even the debit card, so I'm a little reluctant to put anything that isn't gas on it!

Dear LBS(es):

Do you not think that women over 5'4" ride bikes? Why is there almost never anything at all that I can test ride? I'm not going to buy anything from you if I can't ride it first--or at all. While it's nice that Specialized has a 30-day return policy on even bikes (I find this hard to believe, by the way), that really isn't the point. Yes, I realize I'm a freak, but it's not like I'm looking for something that doesn't exist. It'd be nice if you had test bikes that weren't only for men, or had something from each manufacturer in my size.

I feel like I'll be stuck with this Giant forever.

[indysteel]

Dear daily commute:

You know how I feel about you. On a good day, I tolerate you. On a bad day, you fill me with hate and frustration. Today, however, may have been the worst day. It took me 25 minutes to get from the edge of downtown to my parking space. That's what? About a mile? That's insanity. Add that to the other 50 minutes of my drive, and I'm just not happy.

Now normally, I just grit my teeth, but today I snapped. It's no fun breaking down in sobs in your car and showing up to work looking like a wreck. My boss must think I'm losing it. But come on? I'm not sure who in city or state government made the decision to block nearly every other lane downtown for construction, but they need to be fired.

Sigh.....

P.S. Just to preempt any queries about possibly commuting by bike. It's not an option. At least not a safe one. I live 25 miles from work out of necessity, and there's no safe way to get to my job from home. Not to mention that I don't think my body could handle riding 50 miles each day.

[lph]

Can you walk? Not the entire stretch, that final mile It might not be fun, but at least you'd be actively moving...

I hate sitting stuck in my tincan.

[mudmucker]

Dear Mudmucker
My goodness hearing from you gives me an entirely new perspective on this cancer thing.

My perspective changed the first time I went to the cancer institute...you've probably noted this too. Even though I'm used to it - I'm continually shaking my head - every time I go to the oncological medical facility, the waiting room is packed. So many patients, during one appt interval, on one day, in one facility, in one city....

So I see RD starts chemo/rad on Monday. So then, no surgery?

If you ever want to ride, let me know, although you will probably drop me like a hot potato.

Ha. I don't think I'm dropping anyone, at this time, this year. Other than this current nonsense, I unfortunately had several "other" physical setbacks that has kept me off the bike for most of the summer. I hope to start up again by next week but right at the time when I'm usually peaking (as is everyone else), I'll just be starting up. I'll be at the same fitness level as I would be coming out of winter, maybe less. I doubt I could ride 20 miles without getting fatigued or winded. Usually my body responds rapidly once I get into it - I hope so this time too.

At any rate, winter will be approaching before we know it. We can always get folks together for some skiing.

[Biciclista]

Dear Mudmucker
oh yes, Surgery after he heals from the chemo/radiation. Maybe in November.. late october, not sure. Today he got tattoos! (what fun! oh boy!)

[Crankin]

Mudmucker, I *know* you will drop me in the skiing!
Seriously, PM me, if you want to ride.

[bmccasland]

Dear Calypso,
There is a nice litter box in the bathroom, I'd appreciate it if you used that instead of pooping in the hall.

[Catrin]

Dear Calf,

Thank you for finally healing from the dog bite It took you 4 MONTHS to heal completely - while I understand it was a bad bite need it have taken quite so long? Regardless, thank you for finally getting with the program and healing!

A thankful Catrin