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Re: Swimmers Thread
No don't have it deleted!! It's a pretty good training diary for me and I may need to come back for deets. I won't be...
No don't have it deleted!! It's a pretty good training diary for me and I may need to come back for deets. I won't be posting new entries here, but I'd hate for it to be deleted.
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Re: I have got the best husband ever!
Oh wow, I have tears. That's so sweet. ...
Oh wow, I have tears. That's so sweet.
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Re: Berber Carpet - some questions.....
We have berber carpeting on the second floor of our house. Not sure which brand, but I use the beater bar on our Dyson on...
We have berber carpeting on the second floor of our house. Not sure which brand, but I use the beater bar on our Dyson on it (it's the Animal Ball, not sure which number).
There are some loose threads at the doorsill to our ensuite so I have to be careful there, but otherwise it's great.
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Re: Re-sizing your wedding ring. Done it?
The other thing you could do is buy new rings when you're both at your goal weights, or have your old rings refashioned into a...
The other thing you could do is buy new rings when you're both at your goal weights, or have your old rings refashioned into a new style at the new size. A vow renewal may or may not accompany this.
Something significant to symbolize the "new you's". Since you did it together it's like a evolution of your marriage that you might want to have a reminder of. I feel like I'm not doing it justice with words, but there's something so profound about this joint commitment you've both made to health and your journey together. New rings were the first things to come to mind.
SOmething to think of! Congrats again.
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Re: Do you cook?
We eat home made meals pretty much every night, but I don't cook every day. I have activities 3-4 nights a week, so I make...
We eat home made meals pretty much every night, but I don't cook every day. I have activities 3-4 nights a week, so I make big meals and we live on the leftovers. Typically I'll cook Sunday, Wednesday and then Friday or Saturday. If we do go out or order in, it's usually a Friday night.
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Re: Re-sizing your wedding ring. Done it?
Haven't done that, but holy congrats batman! That's an awesome accomplishment, both of you! ...
Haven't done that, but holy congrats batman! That's an awesome accomplishment, both of you!
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Re: Encouragement Needed, Please
I'm living vicariously through you right now zoobaby, so you betcha, I've been on pins and needles with the wait! ...
I'm living vicariously through you right now zoobaby, so you betcha, I've been on pins and needles with the wait!

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Re: Swimmers Thread
MM, sorry to hear your back is still bad. Glad that the pool gives you relief though. Wow, just looked at your ticker. 2 days...
MM, sorry to hear your back is still bad. Glad that the pool gives you relief though. Wow, just looked at your ticker. 2 days to go! I hope all goes well (and relatively on time).
As for the helmet, it didn't actually "break". I did hit the ground with my head and I took a pretty good gouge out of it. But helmets are only good for one crash, so it had to be replaced, hence I refer to it as broken.
The weather has been wet and really cold so no biking for me. I may do a run tonight though. I've been rather lazy all week in my crash recovery mode!
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Re: What are you reading?
I have four books on the go at the moment (all from the library): One fiction Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indriason, a mystery set in Iceland...
I have four books on the go at the moment (all from the library):
One fiction
Hypothermia by Arnaldur Indriason, a mystery set in Iceland
Three non-fiction
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard P Rumelt
The Tyranny of Choice by Renata Salecl
The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business by Patrick Lencioni
This is the 4th book of his I've read on the recommendation of an instructor of a course I took in February. If you're in management or aspire to, I can't recommend his books more highly. Very wise and compelling reading. The other books were:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable
Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable...About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business
Silos, Politics and Turf Wars: A Leadership Fable About Destroying the Barriers That Turn Colleagues Into Competitors
I also want to read, The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers (And Their Employees), but the library only has it on audio CD.
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Re: Rock on, people. Rock On.
Michael Damian is 50. Wow. Thanks for that blast from the past. I wonder when 80's big hair will come back? It seems like everything...
Michael Damian is 50. Wow.
Thanks for that blast from the past. I wonder when 80's big hair will come back? It seems like everything else from the 80's has.

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Re: Outdated house in older neighbourhood or New house
Location and "good bones" were more important than "everything updated" for us. That said, neither of us wanted major renovations. Surface stuff like paint and...
Location and "good bones" were more important than "everything updated" for us. That said, neither of us wanted major renovations. Surface stuff like paint and fixtures, no problem. But knocking down walls and moving/adding bathrooms, no way. Not for us at this point in our lives.
We got lucky and found a house in our price range in an established neigbourhood that had everthing updated before it went up for sale: 3 bathrooms, kitchen, floors, paint, doors, trim, light fixtures. We barely had to clean to move in.
And we would probably have considered this house without those things because nothing was knocked down/changed and we could have done those things ourselves over time. While I'm happy we didn't have to, part of me wishes we could have made our own choices as there are definitely things I want to change now.
Location and size of lot can't change. Layout can't easily be changed without major renovations. If you find a house whose location and layout you like, then the rest can be updated in time.
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Re: Swimmers Thread
Thanks Dazed. Glad you said tough and not klutz. ...
Thanks Dazed. Glad you said tough and not klutz.

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Re: Swimmers Thread
Yikes, MM. An out of place sacrum sounds absolutely horrible. I hope you're feeling better and can have a relaxing (i.e. with no shoulder problems)...
Yikes, MM. An out of place sacrum sounds absolutely horrible. I hope you're feeling better and can have a relaxing (i.e. with no shoulder problems) swim if you're up to it. That baby must be due soon, yes?
QE, glad to hear you're swimming and soon jogging.
Dazed, that's one heck of a workout. I'm not surprised your sprint times were off..you did them at the end of your workout and after a timed 800! If you had sprinted fresh off the warm up that would have made a difference.
AFM, I'm still on swimming break this week as the pool is closed for maintenance. I did more riding and running last week. Am a bit bruised from a couple of falls--once off the mountain bike (I also broke my helmet) and once from tripping when I ran. Luckily it was in the woods and I landed in dirt and not concrete but my left arm, leg, knee, and side of head are all bruised and a bit scraped up. What is it with my left side? It seems to take all the punishment.
My new helmet has arrived and I hope to use it again tonight if the weather cooperates. I look forward to returning to the pool next week. If I'm lucky my bruises will have all faded by then!
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Re: WWYD - Providing Inspection Reports?
Let her hire the guy back and get it directly from him. You have nothing to gain by "selling" the report and possibly things to...
Let her hire the guy back and get it directly from him. You have nothing to gain by "selling" the report and possibly things to lose.
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Re: Encouragement Needed, Please
Oh that sounds promising! I would take her comment as "we want you and think you'll have room to grow here". Crossing my fingers for...
Oh that sounds promising! I would take her comment as "we want you and think you'll have room to grow here".
Crossing my fingers for you! I hope you hear back soon.
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Re: Size 11-12 shoes?!
I hear you. I wear 11.5 and have the same complaints. I have recently found Aerosoles as a brand. I got a couple of pair...
I hear you. I wear 11.5 and have the same complaints. I have recently found Aerosoles as a brand. I got a couple of pair at Tallcrest and also a pair at The Shoe Company for much less. But the best deal was online. Even with shipping and duty the sales shoes were worth it.
They fit a bit bigger than normal so 11's fit me-truthfully they might be a bit too big, but I like them. Online they do have 12's. There is a store in the Rideau Centre if you want to try on their sizing.
Good luck! It's like finding a needle in a haystack to find good fitting stylish shoes that aren't cheap but aren't an arm and a leg either.
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Re: Encouragement Needed, Please
Congrats! I have full confidence in you! YOu will rock it on Tuesday too. ...
Congrats! I have full confidence in you! YOu will rock it on Tuesday too.
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Re: Spin - Men and Jobs
Oh absolutely! My friends and I were having a conversation about this a few weeks ago. It's been my perception that men oversell themselves where...
Oh absolutely! My friends and I were having a conversation about this a few weeks ago. It's been my perception that men oversell themselves where women undersell themselves. Men go into a situation they are eminently not qualified for with total confidence; women the opposite.
Once I figured that out, my advice to myself and my friends has been "pretend you have a penis!"

Seriously, it's all about how you think about something. If the men can think themselves qualified, why not do the same thing?
I can't change my full nature but it has helped in situations to remember that whatever I think about myself will be proved right in the end, so why not abolish the "I'm not ____ enough" thoughts?
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Re: I finally get to write this - I AM DONE SCHOOL!!!!
Bravo! You should be proud of yourself! That's amazing! ...
Bravo! You should be proud of yourself! That's amazing!
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Re: do you speak to your ex?
Ex-H, nope. No desire and no occasion to speak to him. But I have two ex-BFs that I would talk to if we lived in...
Ex-H, nope. No desire and no occasion to speak to him.
But I have two ex-BFs that I would talk to if we lived in the same city or if they were on FB.
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Re: Encouragement Needed, Please
Good for you!! I hope you get it. ...
Good for you!! I hope you get it.
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Re: My neighbor wants to kill my cat.
Do you think she has the capacity to get violent? Threatening your cat is a horrible warning sign. The issue here is twofold: 1) preventing...
Do you think she has the capacity to get violent? Threatening your cat is a horrible warning sign. The issue here is twofold: 1) preventing your cat (and other cats) from coming to harm; and 2) preventing her from escalating into other craziness against you or other neighbours. Or her kids/ex. This is the kind of person you can see "snapping" and getting violent down the line.
For the first, definitely call the city and see if you can prevent her from getting the trap in the first place. For the second, I would call the police non-emergency line for advice, or a women's shelter. They would likely have some resources for helping to prevent violence, that even though it's targeted for men, could be applicable in this situation.
Perhaps you think I might be overreacting. I may be. I'm currently reading "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker and it deals with this kind of thing so it's top of mind for me. In the end, I think it would be better for you to overreact about a threat to your cat and prevent her craziness from escalating.
Good luck. This must be incredibly stressful.
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Re: Buying a bicycle
If you are planning on mostly road riding with your 6 year old, then a hybrid is likely your best bet. Pro's: upright position lower...
If you are planning on mostly road riding with your 6 year old, then a hybrid is likely your best bet.
Pro's:
upright position
lower cost than most road and mountain bikes
faster than a mountain bike (narrower and bigger diameter wheels, smoother tires)
lighter than most mountain bikes
can ride on both the road and on light trails
Con's:
heavier than a road bike
if you want to ride with faster adults, a hybrid is slower than a road bike
if you want to ride on real mountain bike trails, the tires are not the best suited (mountain bike's knobby and tires and wider wheels are better for this)
I would shop at a bike shop (not Canadian Tire or Walmart) to get a decent bike. An entry level hybrid starts around $400 (though this price is from my memory of a few years ago and may be higher now). Higher prices will get you a lighter bike and with durable and/or ergonomic parts.
Good brands that I'm familiar with: Trek, Giant, Norco, Specialized.
If you are confident about judging your size, then a used bike is a good way to go. But it's not a deal if it doesn't fit you! And compromising on fit is a sure way to hurt yourself. Get a bike shop to help you figure out your size if that's the way you want to go.
Good luck!
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Re: Encouragement Needed, Please
You will be fine! You will rock the interview. She was obviously impressed with you when she met you, so don't second-guess her judgement. It's...
You will be fine! You will rock the interview. She was obviously impressed with you when she met you, so don't second-guess her judgement.
It's natural to feel stressed in a stretch situation. It's all part of how we learn and grow. The "imposter syndrome" feeling is all too common. But you don't have to listen to it.
I have a lot of experience in project management and it's not rocket science. It's about planning, controlling, and managing: scope, time, cost and quality. Keys are resourcing, communication and managing stakeholder relationships and managing risks. PM me if you have specific questions, but I don't think you need to worry about things. I'm sure you have more ability in this area than you think.
I'll cross my fingers for you!
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Re: Problems With Friends Spouse
What part of "girls weekend" is she not getting? You don't have to get into a whole long explanation. Even if you liked him, isn't...
What part of "girls weekend" is she not getting? You don't have to get into a whole long explanation. Even if you liked him, isn't it weird that he'd tag along on a girls weekend? Just tell her "no, it's the two of us or not at all." You want a girls weekend, not to be a third wheel.
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Re: I am in a good mood today
Hey that's good to hear ScubaJ! I'm in a good mood today too. Yesterday I had a good professional success and I also did my...
Hey that's good to hear ScubaJ!
I'm in a good mood today too. Yesterday I had a good professional success and I also did my first 10km cycling time trial and I rocked it in 20:33 (avg speed 29.197 km/hr). Not too shabby for my 2nd road ride of the year!
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Re: Forum bugs - please report them here!
I can test it with FireFox to help troubleshoot, but I won't use it if I can't use IE 9. I really prefer the blog...
I can test it with FireFox to help troubleshoot, but I won't use it if I can't use IE 9. I really prefer the blog reader with IE and if I have to switch to a different browser to get CF to work, then it won't happen.
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Re: Forum bugs - please report them here!
I cannot stay logged into CF on my home PC (Windows 7 and IE 9). Whenver I login, and I try to switch pages, I...
I cannot stay logged into CF on my home PC (Windows 7 and IE 9). Whenver I login, and I try to switch pages, I get booted out again. I get the 404 error trying to access Relationship Rescue, even after I've logged in again.
It doesn't work on my mobile either (Android).
It seems to be ok at work (Windows 7 and IE8).
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Re: prayers/positive thoughts please
You got it. Prayers for a successful surgery going his way. ...
You got it. Prayers for a successful surgery going his way.
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Re: prayers/positive thoughts please
You got it. Prayers for a successful surgery going his way. ...
You got it. Prayers for a successful surgery going his way.
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Re: Best GPS app?
It may not be the app, but the satellite on your phone that isn't accurate. I use Endomondo on my Android. I like that it...
It may not be the app, but the satellite on your phone that isn't accurate.
I use Endomondo on my Android. I like that it can do pretty much any sport. But my last run was cut off by about half the distance (time was accurate). DH find it happens to him too.
If you are looking for a Garmin, we got the 405 (I think? it has a heart-rate monitor too) for my sister for her birthday last October. Best pricing in Ottawa was at Costco. $199 I believe.
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Re: Would you move to Edmonton if you were us?
I have never been to Edmonton, so my comments aren't from experience with the city. Just some questions I would ask myself before making this...
I have never been to Edmonton, so my comments aren't from experience with the city. Just some questions I would ask myself before making this kind of move:
--how stable is your DH's career and what are his options at the company? Does he know the people there? Favourable environment? Is there a career path for him in Edmonton or would he need to move again in the future?
-- How difficult would it be for you to find a job? If you spend a lot of time unemployed without your friends and family, you risk isolation and depression. What's your game plan if you can't work right away? How long could you afford to live on one salary?
--How important is seeing family to you both? If it's important and you move, do you have the means to make trips back East?
--You said "it may be happier" what aspects would change with this move?
--What are your DH's career propects if he doesn't take this job? Would he be looked at unfavourably in his job if he refuses?
You don't need to answer these for us. But for yourself.
Good luck in your decision.
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Re: How to break fear of running outdoors?
By any chance do you have a dog? That would make a great running partner. I walk/run with my dog in the local trails all...
By any chance do you have a dog? That would make a great running partner. I walk/run with my dog in the local trails all the time and combined with my phone, never worry for my safety at all.
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Re: Swimmers Thread
Three swims in one week! And at 38 weeks pregnant, not bad at all, MM! Hope you shoulder is treating you well. No swimming for...
Three swims in one week! And at 38 weeks pregnant, not bad at all, MM! Hope you shoulder is treating you well.
No swimming for me last week after all. A bit of post-Easter jet lag, combined with car conflicts with DH didn't permit it. But I did get out for: 1 mountain bike ride, 1 road ride and 2 runs though. I have muscles in my legs I didn't even know I had! What difference it makes to be exercising in real gravity.

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Re: Food or Room?
We had a custom menu that offered our guests their choice of meals and it was a huge hit. Our space was also a restaurant...
We had a custom menu that offered our guests their choice of meals and it was a huge hit. Our space was also a restaurant and though we were a much smaller group, we didn't have any trouble with timing for the meals.
As long as you don't hear any bad reviews about the food/service for that space you can't go wrong going for great food.
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Re: I seriously need motivation - binging
Don't beat yourself up. It happens. It will pass. Don't discount the massive hormonal changes going on with you right now. That's going to have...
Don't beat yourself up. It happens. It will pass.
Don't discount the massive hormonal changes going on with you right now. That's going to have an effect.
I agree with getting back on the feed yourself well wagon. I know my worst indulgences come when I haven't been able to make lunches and have dinners planned. The spiral of low energy leading to not taking the time to make meals leading to binging is very predictable for me. I can imagine that early pregancy would make it even tougher engergy-wise.
So get a few meals together for yourself with the mindset that it's to take care of yourself (and baby!) and I bet that the stress/emotional eating will go away practically on its own.
Don't panic over this. It's a blip and you will be fine again. Just continue to take care of yourself as best you can.
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Re: Dear Nuevodia:
Oh, I have such arm envy right now!! What an amazing transformation! And your photos are HOT HOT!!! You look like a pro! Way to...
Oh, I have such arm envy right now!! What an amazing transformation! And your photos are HOT HOT!!! You look like a pro! Way to go!
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Re: Best Non-Hybrid, Fuel-Efficient Car?
You can use this website for information on the fuel efficiency of pretty much every car out there. It allows you to switch to l/100km...
You can use this website for information on the fuel efficiency of pretty much every car out there. It allows you to switch to l/100km if you'd rather that than mpg.
http://fueleconomy.gov/
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Re: More mods needed?
Yeah, with the real increase in traffic after the switchover, I just bet they're overworked. [/sarcasm] Seriously, I'm not seeing a need just yet. I...
Yeah, with the real increase in traffic after the switchover, I just bet they're overworked.
[/sarcasm]
Seriously, I'm not seeing a need just yet. I think we can handle a bit of increased spam. It's good for a diversion, anyway.

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Re: Greek yoghurt?
Yes, it's definitely not as palatable as plain regular yogurt. I always mix mine with frozen berries. Lately I've been adding a splash of vanilla...
Yes, it's definitely not as palatable as plain regular yogurt. I always mix mine with frozen berries. Lately I've been adding a splash of vanilla and a 1/2 tsp of sucanat or other sweetner I have on hand. I usually get President's Choice or Liberte 0% fat.
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Re: Paper Organization Tips
For my bills/house info etc: File folders, filing cabinet, alphabetical order. Take out menus are in a drawer near the front door. I don't bother...
For my bills/house info etc: File folders, filing cabinet, alphabetical order.
Take out menus are in a drawer near the front door. I don't bother saving recipes from magazines, as you can find them all online anyway. But all my previous loose recipes are in a magazine folder on the bookshelf in the kitchen where I keep my cookbooks. Not terribly organized, but I can find them when I need them.
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Re: Federal Government Employees: anyone else worried?
So sorry to hear of so many being affected. Truly a shock to the system. I hope that you all are able to find other...
So sorry to hear of so many being affected. Truly a shock to the system. I hope that you all are able to find other work.
I haven't been here, but I saw this posted on GC Forums that they've set up a FB group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/WFA.RE/This may be of help to anyone on mat leave who can't access the internal forums.
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Re: Bicycles!
Yeah to new bikes! Basic checks: air in the tires quick release on the wheels are tight lube your chain (doesn't have to be every...
Yeah to new bikes!
Basic checks:
air in the tires
quick release on the wheels are tight
lube your chain (doesn't have to be every time, but don't let it squeak!)
brakes are done up
handle bars aren't loose
cranks aren't loose
If they're used, it wouldn't hurt to get them looked at by a bike shop and have them tuned up. They can also give you a quick heads up on what to review before each ride. If you're just riding on the road and not in the rain, you don't have to do much more than keep air in the tires and your chain lubed.
As for helmets, just try them on and get one that fits you. You don't need to spend a lot of money. Bell and Giro are the brands I know of and have used.
You may also want to invest in:
--bike shorts (very important for the lady parts; wear without underwear for best results)
--gloves
--spare tube, multi-tool, mini pump, tire levers
--floor pump (really good investment for preventing flats as it is much easier to get your tires to the proper pressure with one of these)
--a bell (they're mandatory in our city; they may be in yours)
--lights, if you ride at night
Have fun!
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Re: Old magazines
Speaking of old magazines, when we first saw our house, there were 30 years worth of Cosmo magazine on bookshelves in the basement. Each year...
Speaking of old magazines, when we first saw our house, there were 30 years worth of Cosmo magazine on bookshelves in the basement. Each year neatly stacked and tied up with string. They were dusty, but all in mint condition, clearly never looked at again!
In fact the condition of the magazines was one of the reasons we felt confident buying the house because there was obviously no excessive moisture in the basement for them to be so pristine. We half expected them to still be there when we closed, but they were gone. I wonder what they did with them.

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Re: A Thanks
Glad that you posted an update and that you're doing better. And yes, keep your chin up! ...
Glad that you posted an update and that you're doing better. And yes, keep your chin up!
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Re: Swimmers Thread
Yeah! Posts in the swimmers thread! My cycling club is road biking. We meet on Mondays. I just found out that we will be doing...
Yeah! Posts in the swimmers thread!

My cycling club is road biking. We meet on Mondays. I just found out that we will be doing time trials on Mondays until the official start of the season. This is 15km timed on a flat course. First one is going to hurt! After that, we do skills work (climbing, descending, riding in a group etc.) at a location that is more hilly. I'm a pretty experienced cyclist so I'm just really looking for others to ride with. There are also group rides on the weekends.
I'm also hoping to join the group of mountain bikers on Wednesdays. Only my DH and I have a conflict on that night. It's his mountain bike night and one of us will have to do the dog. I will try to join the group a couple of times before his season starts in June if I want to continue, I'll have to look into options for getting a ride to the hill.
I'm not sure how much running I'll keep doing. I was walking the dog last week and wanted to get my heart rate going higher so I started running. I did another walk/run while I was away on the weekend since it was my only other exercise option. I do like having another option for exercise, and the dog loves it. I don't have any plans for triathlons right now, but I don't rule it out.
Dazed, I am happy to hear you have a water polo option, even though it's a long drive. As QE says, it's worth it for something you're passionate about.
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Re: Closed Casket/Option to view the body
Hugs Greycie. I know that won't be easy for any of you. ...
Hugs Greycie. I know that won't be easy for any of you.
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Re: Swimmers Thread
Hey Dazed. Watching that waterpolo must have been really thrilling. Too bad you miss it. That's neat that you got to workout with a fellow...
Hey Dazed. Watching that waterpolo must have been really thrilling. Too bad you miss it. That's neat that you got to workout with a fellow masters swimmer and get so many tips.
AFM, I haven't swum in a week due to Easter family visits. This week will be my last week swimming until May. The pool has its annual shut-down for maintenance starting on Friday.
In other sports activites, I signed up to join a women's biking club. I really haven't done enough biking in recent years so I took the plunge. I'll still be swimming too. I do a skills clinic on Saturday and then the club starts meeting in mid-May.
Oh and last week I started running. Just for fun. I will probably do a bit more of that while the pool is closed and before biking starts.
Hope the rest of you have a great week.
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Re: Closed Casket/Option to view the body
Oh, that's so sad that you lost your cousin that way. My deepest sympathies for you and your family. The sudden death of a young...
Oh, that's so sad that you lost your cousin that way. My deepest sympathies for you and your family.
The sudden death of a young person is always hard. I honestly think that it's going to be hard whichever way you do it, and there isn't really a right way to do it. But if are to have a later regret, it may be better to regret not looking. As I doubt you ever can "unsee" something you regret seeing.
I know I wouldn't want to see anyone I loved mangled from an accident. It wouldn't make a difference for closure for me.
Again, my condolences on your loss. HUGS.
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Re: What is your fav rom com movie?
I don't normally like romantic comedies. I've seen a few that have been mentioned that I liked (mostly Tom Hanks movies) but not enough to...
I don't normally like romantic comedies. I've seen a few that have been mentioned that I liked (mostly Tom Hanks movies) but not enough to watch them multiple times.
My favourite though, is Bull Durham with Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. LOVE LOVE that movie.
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