I'll keep this simple.
I'm doing great.
I spent my morning at the emergency veterinary clinic. It appears my dog either has an infected bone, or cancer. Not the best day. Interesting though, yesterday I had some of the best news of my life. More to come there. Lets hope for infection. Poor little fella. Edit: A dear friend of ours is entering hospice today, just found out. I won't shout-out to him, but he is the oldest Hubskier at ninety two. He posted here once and that makes him a hubskier to me. I love the guy. Someone posted about mentors/role models yesterday and from a philosphical and spiritual standpoint, Ralph is a mentor and a damn good conversationalist. It has NOT been the best day actually. Normally they're pretty damned good. I'm still a lucky fella and like Dr. Suess wrote: Today was good, today was fun, tomorrow is another one. -Well today hasn't been much fun, but tomorrow could be better :)
Thanks man. It's rough living so far away. Thanks for thinking of him.
Thanks, he's a great guy. 9 year old Vizsla named Hemingway. He's a gifted writer, but proned to bouts of severe alcoholism, depression and bone infections.
To answer your question from another thread: He's not doing that well. It turns out that it is bone cancer. Later this afternoon we take him in to get a chest x-ray and see if it has spread. There are three potential courses of action: 1. It's spread too much, do nothing and make him comfortable 2. It's still localized and hasn't spread: Amputate his leg and make him comfortable 3. Amputate his leg, give him chemotherapy and radiation -None of the options are good. I really don't want to have to amputate his leg, but if it will help him live longer, I will. The key is whether he can live longer and not be in pain. If he will be in pain, I will have to put him down. Thanks for asking.
I'm very sorry to hear that. I have some idea of how distressing the whole situation must be. Whatever the results I have no doubt he'll be overwhelmed with love and kindness in the days to come, which is the most important thing for him. Thank you for replying.
Yeah. We have a babysitter tonight and are going out with some good friends so, there should be the opportunity to regroup and enjoy a moment. We will find out more tomorrow regarding Hemingway.
Thanks Cortez, I appreciate it. If ever there was a good day to have a post like this to vent on, it was today.
I hope it gets better. Sending some happy sunny vibes from CA your way.
Thanks insom, I'll always take sunny vibes when I can get them.
That's been known to happen, we need to fix that. In the meantime, try dismissing all notifications in the upper right-hand corner of your notification screen. Let me know if that works. Thanks
It's kind of hard to describe.... The process takes out a lot of the bitterness and the dry mouth effect. They aren't exactly sweet, more like the spiciness of the cinnamon and cloves but still a distinctive apple taste with the texture of maraschino cherries. They taste great on vanilla ice-cream or used as a garnish for pork dishes.
Great to see more people who use women's names. Sometimes we are female.
Sounds like an adventure. Where are you originally from? How are you liking Australia? What type of work are you looking for? Good luck out there on your walk-about.
Northern Victoria, you say? May I ask which town in particular? More importantly, how are you finding the whiteness?
It was a reference to the populace, the whiteness of which I notice whenever I return to that fair region. I hope you're enjoying your visit.
See what happens when you don't lurk. You start the most popular thread of the day!
Today I feel great. I wrote this down earlier. And, y'know, I don't want to count my eggs before they hatch or anything, but today feels different. Like I have finally managed to get my priorities straight. I got up at 07:30 and ate breakfast and cleaned up and did my morning rituals, and was at the library right after it opened. I didn't think "oh I'll just go on Reddit for five minutes" or "I'll just check out Facebook", which would inevitably see me standing at my computer for an hour and then getting prepared to leave, and taking forever to do it, too. I just went to the library and after a few minutes actually started working. And, yeah, I left after just two hours (I'm invigilating exams shortly) but in that time there were virtually no distractions. It may not seem like much to someone who actually manages to study, but for me this is really different. Usually I have to force myself to get anything done, and it so rarely does. I'm lucky if I spend 10% of my time in the library working, to be honest. But today was different. I wasn't telling myself that it was okay to do something else because then I'd do some work. I've long known that that's ridiculous, but it's like today I really know it. Like it has become part of my mind. Right now, the idea of saying "I'll write something after I've watched this episode of Breaking Bad" just seems alien. It might not seem like much to most people, but that was how my mind has operated for YEARS. But I feel focused. Things are just "matter of fact". It's like I understand now that video games and internet and stuff are for after doing work, whereas I used to distract myself with them. It's like my thesis and other things are no longer gargantuan monsters I have to fight off with a pokey wooden sword - they're just things I can and have to do, and I'm going to do them now, and maybe later I'll read a book. But right now I have stuff to do. Put it this way: I'm in control. Obviously, I have occasionally been in control in the past - enough to finish my BA, and so on. But right now, I'm in control and I'm not struggling to be in control. I don't want to make myself think that this is a bigger change than it really is, or that it's some lasting change in character... I just feel good now. I'm not "proud" that I've changed in some profound way or something; I just don't feel ashamed that my life is wasteful. I hope this doesn't fade away. Fuck that, I can't let it fade away, and I won't. This level of "being present" is exactly what I've been needing since I was about eleven years old. So I don't mean to make a big deal of this to myself. I just FEEL so different, and capable. I'm going to eat some eggs now, and then go invigilate, and then go back to the library. And when I do, I won't think "I'll just go on Hubski for a few minutes." And that might not seem like much, but to me it's all the difference in the world. I just hope it's not like when I start running or playing mandolin for a bit and it seems like I'm going to keep it up, and then I lapse for a few days and suddenly it's a few months. I don't want this to go away, but I know it'll probably be hard to maintain. But then nobody said it was easy... Oh, and the apadravya I got a week ago has finally stopped bleeding completely.Things feel different in me this morning. They felt a little differrent last night, but I often have those kind of feelings in the night before the next day - I mean feelings about pulling my life together and applying myself. Y'know, when I got to sleep I think "today was a waste, but tomorrow I'll do this and that and all these other things". And of course the next day is just like the one before it and tomorrow never really comes.
How long did it take to stop bleeding? Like many, I'm a bit apprehensive about "altering" myself in that way, but it seems interesting. Then again, I'm descended from people that are attributed with creating the ampallang.Oh, and the apadravya I got a week ago has finally stopped bleeding completely.
It bled a fair bit the first day and somewhat the second; after that, it was just a little bit of bleeding, particularly after sleeping. I got it last Tuesday and it had completely stopped as of yesterday. Now there's just a little bit of that lymph fluid stuff. There has been some discomfort the odd time it has bumped against my trousers or something, but otherwise it's cool (and morning wood the next day was not pleasant). A painful experience to be sure, but I've wanted one for a while and I already love it to bits. Perfect timing, too - the girl I'm seeing is away in Italy for a month, so I won't be "physical" with her until I head over for a bit to join her. 2.4mm diameter titanium barbell, with balls 6mm in diameter. Well, one of them is 6mm; the other is either slightly smaller or larger, I can't tell. When I get a shorter bar fitted (there's still a little room when I "stand to attention") I'll make sure the piercer gives me one with two balls of the same size, or it'll drive me crazy. Who were your ancestors? Ampallangs are cool. I sort of wanted one until I discovered that the apadravya exists and I just knew it was me.
My parents come from the Philippines. The ampallang isn't so common anymore. Instead, we are supposed to get circumcised . . . when we turn 12. Fortunately, I was born in the U.S. and got the chop before I could remember it. I visited my cousin just after he had his done. He had to wear a skirt for a while.
Twelve? Jesus, that must be awful... A friend of mine over here had to get circumcised because his foreskin was too tight; said it was really uncomfortable for a while afterward, alright.
Yikes. You know, my friends from the UK were always surprised whenever the circumcision issue came up to hear that most of us Americans couldn't relate to foreskin problems and would talk about studies they'd read about decreased sensation, etc. But from a purely mechanical standpoint, (the more moving parts and all that) I don't see why there's such opposition to circumcision around the world. If the doctor knows what they're doing and is using clean tools, then it's really safe. Plus, my friends have told me stories about theirs tearing after particularly vigorous sessions and man, I am so glad I don't have that to worry about.
Yeah, I've heard about people ripping their frenums. Actually my frenum used to be slightly too short, which made sex rather painful in the beginning. Debates about the pros and cons of circumcision tend to get a bit stupid because the guys on either side get really tribal about it. It's probably not that big of a deal at all, yeah.
Good. Had the day off work, as I had a big deployment last weekend. Started with 18 holes of golf at the crack of dawn, followed by some grilling of burgers afterwards. Then I picked up my fiancees wedding band which just came in. Took a nap when I got home. Mowed the lawn and did some other various yard work. And now my mother and her husband are here for the rest of the week and weekend... can't win'em all! Best part was checking my work phone after golf, seeing 8 missed calls and 200 emails, and just turning it off. Completely disconnected from my job today, which is rare for me.
I'm going crazy in the best possible way. Today was my second day of Orientation Assistant training and it's been extremely fun. I'm basically being paid to have fun and learn how to connect with Freshman, do icebreakers with them, and help them make the transition from High School to College as easily as possible. That said, we're doing 9 hour days with lunch and it's been a lot of work. We even have training on Saturday. Next week once the Freshman actually arrive we're looking at 10+ hour days. But I'm loving it so it's okay.
Pretty good this past month, bought an Impreza WRX Job's going good, studying part time for my last year at university. Only real concern is I may have an umbilical hernia developing, I've got a small lump above my belly button that doesn't hurt but it sure doesn't feel normal.
Ooooh. Another Subaru fan on hubski! I'm a life long Subaru guy so far. On my third. But I'm old and own a house so I drive a Forester. My last car was a Legacy 3.6R though. God I love the sporty Subarus. Would love a WRX, RS, or STI someday as a second "fun" car. Beautiful car man, enjoy it! Sorry about the belly lump though. :(
I have a Ford Explorer (trade up from the 1999 GMC Suburban) because my family needs a car with towing capabilities for some things. This summer, my brother came back into town and he's too tall for my moms car. So all summer I've had the better fuel efficient, more fun to drive, AWESOME suburu outback. It's a bit of a mom-mobile because of the 800 university stickers on the back, but it's so much more fun to drive and has room for tons of stuff. I just got the Explorer back and I feel like a tall, heavy, gas guzzling, sloppy glob.
I can't complain! Everything's going well. But I'm suffering a lack of motivation in general. I'm losing the drive to keep going to the gym, to keep sitting for my daily mediation, to keep fixing the bike that's falling apart, and I'm a tad bit worried about classes starting next week. I'm sure it'll all be fine. It always is. Just in a bit of a lull.
Awful. Suicidal. I hate to be a downer, but you did ask. I am however, sincerely glad that everybody else so far is feeling good. Nothing is as beautiful as seeing people appreciating life's beauty.
Head up there, young buck. The world is yours to conquer, don't let the nasty self-righteous cunt conquer you. As you've mentioned $ and bandwidth (I lived in Sydney for a bit and fully realize how horrid bandwidth can be) you should go absorb something outside yourself and your computer screen. I dare you to go outside...whereever you are right now. And walk or sit or stand or whatever for about 10 minutes and then come back and tell me what you saw. I want to see through your eyes.
Your profile tells me you're young. It also tells me you're a long way from home. What brought you to Australia? Work, study or holiday?
My father took a job offer for Perth, and so here we are. 'We' being me, both my parents and two younger brothers.
You are living in the most remote city in the world, in a state that is not famous for introspection or sensitivity. Where and what would you like to be, if you could be anywhere?
If i could be anywhere? I'd like to return to the Alps to go skiing. I haven't been in almost 2 years.
God. I'm not sure I can imagine an Earthly terrain that is more unlike Perth than the Alps. I suppose a gap year back to Europe is out of the question for you? Failing that, do you ever get the chance to head over to the east coast? Cheap flights to New Zealand aren't so uncommon out of Melbourne and Sydney, and I hear the skiing over there is pretty world class.
Money for me is currently, well, i don't have any. And i mean ANY. My education is taking too much of my time for me to work as well, which sucks. But yes i would love to go skiing in the Alps, or New Zealand, where i have never been but i have also heard that skiing there is fantastic.. That has to be the messiest, most grammatically incorrect paragraph i have ever written, but i'm tired and in a bad mood.
Nobody has money when they're 18 years old, unfortunately. I know the pain. I was a young man in hurry, once. The idea of taking a semester off study to work and save cash for travel was anathema to me. I had plenty of friends who did it, though, and none of them regretted it. You'll find it easier to save if you're living at home, too. Sorry you're feeling shit, cobber. I hope things improve for you soon.
Maybe a movie might put you in better feels? :(Nothing is as beautiful as seeing people appreciating life's beauty.
A lovely sentiment, thank you, but i lack the money to rent it and the bandwidth to download it (unless i want to wait 3 days for it to download, by which time i probably will be in a better mood). Edit: A fantastic movie might i add, excellent choice.
Depressed, I've been rejecting my friends lately and I'm thinking about leaving behind my dream of being a musician. For some reason I feel it needs to be done. I just don't feel like I'm good enough on life. Still, I'm grateful for my parents and my life is good, I'm just being arrogant and stupid.
Well, I didn't get a chance to properly respond to you earlier because I was so damn busy. I'm taking tomorrow (friday) AND monday off work to get a much needed vacation back to the wonderful and receiptionless Jalama Beach It's also my 23rd birthday on Monday and I refuse to be stressed out by work on my birthday. Unfortunately, although this trip has been planned for about a month now, a couple unforeseen things at work have happened leaving the entire building essentially management-less. So all the little worker bees have been running around trying to make sure we have everything handled, calling on accounts that we know we have stuff due but don't know what, etc. It's been hectic and chaotic. Honestly, it stills feels like it's Monday. That's how little downtime I've had. It's pretty much the worst time to bone out for two days, but what can you do. On a happier note, I am sitting, planning, packing. We are going to leave around 4am (it's 8:30pm right now) and then NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTACT ME. I can sit and relax and get a tan with my lovely boyfriend and we can catch up on some much-needed time together. Real relationships are hard when you both have lives. If I hadn't already fallen in love with him and moved in together, this relationship probably wouldn't be. But I prioritize time together and love nothing more to waking up to him every morning. And I look forward to spending an entire weekend without a computer screen, a phone screen, or a vibrating email from work. So. There you go Cortez. How about you? How are you doing this fine evening?
I'm oscillating! Constantly. I have a slew of teeny personal problems that range from parking tickets to a tiny wardrobe. On the other hand, I'm 22. I have great friends, and I'm reading some of the most mind bending literature our species' produced. The most defining aspect of my young adulthood is the rapid fluctuation. I don't know my path more than a few months ahead of me at a time, and even then it's liable to change dramatically. It's romantic in a way. I want to learn and do as much as possible before I start becoming entrenched in my life. In the meantime, I'ma do me. Thanks for asking Cortez, I'm feeling the good internet mojo all the way from here.