CuriousByNature

Dave Martinez, formerly of the White Sox and Devil Rays. I think he may now be coaching/managing?

If not roid rage, perhaps borderline personality disorder.

What if someone has an Android rather than an iPhone?

@JoeMendoza ... I've been around a bit longer than you, but haven't had the fullnes of life experience that most people in their 40s have had. Most of this is because of my own skewed perceptions of myself and a helluva lot of procrastination. But here are a few things I've managed to glean along the way, even though I fail to apply them often enough myself. Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated yourself. Desire the very best for those around you, even if that means giving up something for yourself. Be an active listener. Don't take anyone or anything for granted. Even if a situation seems to be overwhelming there are often important lessons that can be learned. Practice forgiveness every day. Don't put things off - tomorrow isn't promised to everyone. Make friends of people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and ages. Be patient and kind with yourself. There are very few things in this life that are completely insurmountable. Even if we live 120 years, our life span is like a drop of water in an ocean of eternity. Do not be afraid of your internal doubts and questions, but rather, question and doubt whatever fears you may have. Remember that you are unique amongst the 7 billion other humans on this planet, and celebrate that incredible reality. Be humbled by the fact that you will never know everything, and do not fail to be amazed by the mysteries of life and the intricasies of the cosmos.

One of the true Hollywood beauties, even into her later years.

Totally agree. I would love to have the space and finances to have a range of good quality equipment at hand. But I also know it will only get used if I'm motivated enough to use it. So I have invested in a set of weights that are adjustable up to 40lbs, and these take up much less space than several dumbells of differing weights. I can upgrade to a heavier set once I reach the point where I need more than a 40lb resistance per arm. I'm looking at getting an incline bench that can fold under the bed, and for legs I can do calf raises on the curb in front of the house and do (awkward) squats anywhere. There's a playground close to home, so once my arms can lift myself consistently I'll be able to do chin ups on the monkey bars. When a lack of space and/or finances make it seem difficult to get healthier, I think it's important to think outside the box and be a bit more creative.

How is it, compared to Pillars of the Earth, if you have also read that?

Do you know if that hotel is affiliated with the Essex in Chicago? I think I stayed there on one of my trips to the Windy City.

For anyone, being good at math is a real plus.

I think the guy being massaged is wearing the towel, but the angle of the shot almost looks like it is the masseur.

I think the guy being massaged is wearing the towel, but the angle of the shot almost looks like it is the masseur.

I've lost 55 lbs since the pandemic started. I think its because I stopped getting fast food, and I have had more time to cook healthy food because I've been working from home for almost a year. I have always been 'solidly' built, but not 'cut'. Maybe if I start going to the gym I can achieve a defined physique, even in my 40s - but I'm happy right now to have found at least one set of abs! Several more to go...lol.

I've lost 55 lbs since the pandemic started. I think its because I stopped getting fast food, and I have had more time to cook healthy food because I've been working from home for almost a year. I have always been 'solidly' built, but not 'cut'. Maybe if I start going to the gym I can achieve a defined physique, even in my 40s - but I'm happy right now to have found at least one set of abs! Several more to go...lol.

Hopefully you can help your friend through this time without it becoming dangerous or risky for yourself, and I hope things turn out well with your father, whatever that situation might be.

Hopefully you can help your friend through this time without it becoming dangerous or risky for yourself, and I hope things turn out well with your father, whatever that situation might be.

My only question is if the machine is front-load or top-load?

Well, I guess sometimes its harder for us to put ourselves in other people's shoes and understand how our words can be taken differently than intended. If you don't see how the phrasing could be misinterpreted, then I understand why your reaction was as defensive as it was. But many others do see how it could be taken incorrectly, even if you don't. Words have power, and nobody chooses their words perfectly every time they post. It would be a shame if you became less involved with your input - I hope that doesn't happen.

For what it's worth, I've been in situations where I meant something completely benign, or opposite to how it was taken by someone. It's not a fun position to be in. I don't know either of you, but you both contribute a lot to the forum. One thing I have found is that if my words have triggered or offended someone, it's important to own it and take responsibility - especially when I know my words were not meant to be offensive. Then it's up to others to either accept your explanation or not. You've stated clearly that your words were not meant to offend anyone. I'm sure in hindsight you can see how the post could be misconstrued, particularly by providers who take the responsibility of their vocation/career seriously. Peace to both you and @Benjamin_Nicholas.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is Nextdoor?

I'm not able to agree with this. The OP was first contacted by the provider to see if he would be interested in meeting again. Then, on the day of travel the OP sent a short text to see if the provider was open to trying something new - I can't imagine that would constitute time wasting. The following texts back and forth seems to have come as a result of a potential misunderstanding, and the provider and OP clearly wanted the air to be cleared and to move forward, which is difficult to do via text. This was all resolved within a few texts - nothing dramatic, just two considerate fellows ensuring that each other was fine and that they could meet another evening instead. And the OP wanted to compensate the provider, which indicates to me that the OP values the provider's time. This all could have ended so much worse had there not been such open and honest communication. They both strike me as considerate and empathetic people.

Please tell me this was an intentional play on words ?

As long as you don't let yourself get down about it. It's not a race or a contest, and perhaps you will end up with quality over quantity. ?

One of the cruises I was on charged me the 100% surcharge, so twice the per person rate, and there was a booking bonus of a certain amount of internet minutes per person and two free excursions per person. Even though I was paying for two people they would only allow me to claim one set of bonuses instead of two. The industry will stick it to singles as much as they can, but some lines do offer lower supplements on less popular itineraries or at the last minute to fill a ship.

I've been on two cruises, but found that travelling solo by ship is way more expensive than other travel. I was charged an extra 100% for having the room to myself both times. I know that the cruise line is losing out in terms of alcohol sales etc because I'm solo, but I found I spent much less onboard because I had spent double for the cruise itself. One cruise line quoted me a 175% surcharge and couldn't explain why they were charging almost 3 times the rate they charge someone traveling with a companion. Not sure if gay cruises operate the same way or not.

If the age on your profile is correct, I was the same age when I did my first solo trip too. I went to Ireland for 10 days and enjoyed almost every minute. I chose an English-speaking country to make things easier, and I took buses rather than driving, for the same reason. I did not join a multi-day tour because I tend to be interested in more obscure sights and sites, and can spend hours in a museum wandering at my own pace. I find that day tours to a particular destination works better for me. The only drawback was that I wayyyy overpacked and had heavy, outdated and wheeless suitcases. It didn't help that digital cameras were not available yet, or at least not common (late 90s) so I was packing around two dozen rolls of film everywhere I went. My advice, for what its worth: 1. Invest in luggage that is lightweight, with good wheels and a strong, extendable handles. 2. Unless you are going to be in the middle of nowhere, it isn't necessary to bring absolutely everything you might conceivably need. If you have forgotten something, you can probably buy it where you are going. 3. Make sure all essentials, such as medicine and cell phone charger are packed in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage ends up somewhere else. 4. Make sure you also pack some extra underwear and a t-shirt in your carry-on for the same reason. 5. Email yourself a list of your credit card numbers and the card company phone number, as well as bank phone number, in case you lose your wallet. 6. For the same reason I photocopy my Drivers Licence/Social Insurance Card/ Travel Insurance info and keep the copies in a place other than my wallet, in case I lose it. 7. Again for the same reason, don't keep all your money in your wallet - I usually divide it between a number of pockets and my day-to-day small man-purse...lol. Larger sums I leave in my hotel room safe, along with my tablet etc. 8. Get travel insurance for any out of state travel, and make sure the duration is long enough to cover for any delays getting back home. I usually add a couple of days to my insurance to be safe. 9. This may not be necessary for all credit cards, but let the card companies know you'll be travelling and where, just in case your card gets flagged when used away from home. I once had one card put on hold because I forgot to inform that one company I'd be using it in Europe. But that was 10 years ago. 10. If you use your bank card for any transactions, make sure your PIN is only 4 digits. Many places, like Europe, only accept a 4-digit PIN. 11. If going overseas it is nice to learn a few simple phrases in the local language, and appreciated by the people there. 12. Don't wear flashy watches, etc if going some place where street crime is more of a possibility. I also usually keep a day's worth of cash in my front pocket so I don't need to always be opening my wallet. 13. I always keep my wallet in one of my front pockets where it is harder for any pickpocket to target. These are just some practical points of advice to consider. Enjoy yourself and don't forget to take time between sightseeing to take it all in. ?