I don't like to talk bad about people either, but sometimes there are just people in my past that still make me cringe.  I've tried my best to rise above it, but some of that pain can still linger many years later.   :(

Wow, that's a lot of changes!   :o  I can definitely see how difficult that can be. 


It was difficult, but stuff like the message board helps. :)

My 7th grade math teacher would make the kids stand inside the garbage can if the did not behave (yes, even if the garbage can was full of garbage)

ewww!

ewww!

Yes, I know. Good thing I was a very behaved kid and didn't have to experience that.

yeah! ;D

My 7th grade math teacher would make the kids stand inside the garbage can if the did not behave (yes, even if the garbage can was full of garbage)



What? And eat what's in there? :o


:P

My 7th grade math teacher would make the kids stand inside the garbage can if the did not behave (yes, even if the garbage can was full of garbage)


Ooooh, yuck!   8-P

This reminds me a little bit about this cardboard "penalty box" my P.E. teacher (at the first elementary school I attended) made us stand in if we didn't behave (it wasn't filled with garbage, thank goodness!).  I knew a couple of kids who would intentionally act up and get into the penalty box just so they won't have to do any P.E. activities!   ;D

I don't like to talk bad about people either, but sometimes there are just people in my past that still make me cringe.  I've tried my best to rise above it, but some of that pain can still linger many years later.   :(



That's true, it can. I had my share of unpleasant days during my 4th grade year, mostly because of her. I even remember most of the specific days on which certain events occurred; some of them still stick in my mind almost 20 years later. (Omg - has it been that long already?!) :o

However, there were some good things about my 4th grade year...such as the field trips we took, and learning to make "Baggie wreaths" in December. Some of the kids in my class were okay too.

My 7th grade math teacher would make the kids stand inside the garbage can if the did not behave (yes, even if the garbage can was full of garbage)

Fellow NYY hater say what?! :o

That does not sound like a very sanitary thing to do. I bet the Health Department would have gotten on that teacher's case if an inspection had been done on one of those days.



Yes, I know. Good thing I was a very behaved kid and didn't have to experience that.

Well that's good.

Ooooh, yuck!  8-P

This reminds me a little bit about this cardboard "penalty box" my P.E. teacher (at the first elementary school I attended) made us stand in if we didn't behave (it wasn't filled with garbage, thank goodness!).  I knew a couple of kids who would intentionally act up and get into the penalty box just so they won't have to do any P.E. activities!  ;D

In junior high I had a P.E. teacher who would send us to the corner if we were bad; she referred to it as "'Out' Time", or O.T. for short.

That's true, it can. I had my share of unpleasant days during my 4th grade year, mostly because of her. I even remember most of the specific days on which certain events occurred; some of them still stick in my mind almost 20 years later. (Omg - has it been that long already?!) :o

However, there were some good things about my 4th grade year...such as the field trips we took, and learning to make "Baggie wreaths" in December. Some of the kids in my class were okay too.


I really liked my 4th grade year...my teacher was really nice and she just made learning in general a lot of fun.  :) 

She even took me and another guy (who was a good friend of mine at the time) in my class to McDonald's to lunch towards the end of the year because we had read the most books.  I'll never forget that!  :)

I really liked my 4th grade year...my teacher was really nice and she just made learning in general a lot of fun.   :) 

She even took me and another guy (who was a good friend of mine at the time) in my class to McDonald's to lunch towards the end of the year because we had read the most books.  I'll never forget that!   :)

I'm glad you had a good year. 8) My parents felt bad that I got the short end of the stick.

When I was in the 5th grade, one of my teaching aides went to McDonald's every so often to buy McDonald's burgers for kids who had good behavior over a certain period of time. One time we all got a Happy Meal with a special toy inside! (which I still have to this day...it's packed in a box somewhere)

I'm glad you had a good year. 8) My parents felt bad that I got the short end of the stick.

When I was in the 5th grade, one of my teaching aides went to McDonald's every so often to buy McDonald's burgers for kids who had good behavior over a certain period of time. One time we all got a Happy Meal with a special toy inside! (which I still have to this day...it's packed in a box somewhere)


I'm sorry that 4th grade wasn't so good for you.  :(

I didn't get to know my 5th grade teacher very much....we had substitutes for the majority of the school year because our teacher was pregnant (she was absent more than usual because of complications  :().

I'm sorry that 4th grade wasn't so good for you.   :(

I didn't get to know my 5th grade teacher very much....we had substitutes for the majority of the school year because our teacher was pregnant (she was absent more than usual because of complications  :().

So you must've had a sub for a good part of the year then?

Ooooh, yuck!   8-P

This reminds me a little bit about this cardboard "penalty box" my P.E. teacher (at the first elementary school I attended) made us stand in if we didn't behave (it wasn't filled with garbage, thank goodness!).  I knew a couple of kids who would intentionally act up and get into the penalty box just so they won't have to do any P.E. activities!   ;D


Gym teachers can be so mean. >:(

Gym teachers can be so mean. >:(

I never had a mean one; I don't think.

I never had a mean one; I don't think.


I remember in school my Gym Teacher made me gym teacher for a while.

I remember in school my Gym Teacher made me gym teacher for a while.

Huh?! How could you do the teaching? :o ???

Huh?! How could you do the teaching? :o ???



I forgot how it came about. ???

I forgot how it came about. ???

Wouldn't it make sense to know the subject material well first before you could try to teach others?

Wouldn't it make sense to know the subject material well first before you could try to teach others?


I guess it was gym teacher for a day.

I guess it was gym teacher for a day.

That's one thing, but a student-teacher is another. I have met one person who did some student-teaching.

That's one thing, but a student-teacher is another. I have met one person who did some student-teaching.


Me neither.

Me neither.

I am confused.

I said I once met a student-teacher, who helped teach one of my high school classes. That person seemed to do a good job. I never said anything about actually being one (which I wasn't).

I am confused.

I said I once met a student-teacher, who helped teach one of my high school classes. That person seemed to do a good job. I never said anything about actually being one (which I wasn't).


Was he any good?

Was he any good?

It wasn't a man, it was a woman. Yes, she was pretty good. For the record, it was my Spanish Two class.

I took Spanish in High School.

I took Spanish in High School.

As did I. In fact, I took it for all four of my HS years. By the 4th year, it got kinda complicated and I began to struggle a bit, but I kept up and finished the course.

As did I. In fact, I took it for all four of my HS years. By the 4th year, it got kinda complicated and I began to struggle a bit, but I kept up and finished the course.


I was in Special Ed.

I was in Special Ed.

I actually had special ed for a number of years too. At the end of my 4th grade year, it was discovered that that's the type of class I needed to be in.

I actually had special ed for a number of years too. At the end of my 4th grade year, it was discovered that that's the type of class I needed to be in.



I always was picked on. :(

I took Spanish in High School.
I wish I could grasp a foreign language well.

I wish I could grasp a foreign language well.

It takes a lot of practice, I suppose.

Likewise, English is hard to learn for some people who don't speak it, because it contains so many inconsistencies!!

It takes a lot of practice, I suppose.

Likewise, English is hard to learn for some people who don't speak it, because it contains so many inconsistencies!!
It seems the younger the age to start learning the better.

It takes a lot of practice, I suppose.

Likewise, English is hard to learn for some people who don't speak it, because it contains so many inconsistencies!!

I speak French & Italian.
When my wife came to Canada from Hong Kong, she found SO MANY inconsistencies in the English language, and still does.

It seems the younger the age to start learning the better.


The only thing I learned when I was younger was Latin...which I promtly forgot.

Question:  how does a person change the font on profile?  or can they?

NM...I found it at the top...allergies interfere with my seeing

The only thing I learned when I was younger was Latin...which I promtly forgot.
Latin, now that is one language I wish to learn, I did have a dictionary somewhere.

Did you know that in Cantonese, there is no different word for "he" or "she". It's all the same word in that language.
So if you ever hear a Cchinese person describe a man as "she" or vice-versa, you can understand where they are coming from.

I wish I could grasp a foreign language well.


Which would you like to learn?

Did you know that in Cantonese, there is no different word for "he" or "she". It's all the same word in that language.
So if you ever hear a Chinese person describe a man as "she" or vice-versa, you can understand where they are coming from.

that's somewhat interesting (for lack of a better word)...but wouldn't it sometimes get ambiguous?

Which would you like to learn?
Latin and Tagalog

Latin and Tagalog


I'd like to learn Spanish.

I'd like to learn Spanish.
Tagalog is associated to Spanish.

Tagalog is associated to Spanish.

How so?

Tagalog is associated to Spanish.


Is it the same dialect?

Is it the same dialect?

I have my doubts. :-\\

How so?
Spanish has infilrated the the Philippines language, some of the words are the same.

I'd like to learn Spanish.


but you studied it in High School  :-\\

but you studied it in High School  :-\\


I didn't come out with a good grade.

but you studied it in High School  :-\\
I still remember some of my schoolboy French.

I still remember some of my schoolboy French.


Oui?

I didn't come out with a good grade.

So that's why you want to learn it better?


I got A's and B's in my high school Spanish courses. I also took one in my third year of college (Fall 2000) and ended up with a "B".

So that's why you want to learn it better?


I got A's and B's in my high school Spanish courses. I also took one in my third year of college (Fall 2000) and ended up with a "B".


my high school went by number grades.

my high school went by number grades.

What number did Howard get? Number two? •chuckles•

What number did Howard get? Number two? •chuckles•


I think I wound up with a 70 as my final grade.

I think I wound up with a 70 as my final grade.
What would be the highest number?

What would be the highest number?


between 95-100.

between 95-100.
As in % ?

As in % ?


Yes percentages.

Yes percentages.
70 is very good.

70 is very good.


No 70 would be considered fair.

No 70 would be considered fair.
70% is just below ¾.

70% is just below ¾.


To Me it's ok but just passing.

To Me it's ok but just passing.
65% was the pass mark on my university course and I achieve 70% to 74% on each.

Latin, now that is one language I wish to learn, I did have a dictionary somewhere.


Too bad that I forgot it, because Latin words form the root of all languages.

Too bad that I forgot it, because Latin words form the root of all languages.
Yes it is exactly it that provokes my interest in the subject.

Gym teachers can be so mean. >:(


One of the P.E. teachers at my first elementary school was really mean.  >:(

There were two P.E. teachers at that time....one was the really mean one and the other (an African-American gentleman) was the complete opposite...he was so much fun and extremely nice.  Not to mention a real cutie!  :D

We were always happy to get the nice P.E. teacher on some days....then on days we get the mean one most of us clam up (unless it's one of the kids who like to get into trouble just for the hell of it).  :-\\

my high school went by number grades.

So did I. But I was talking about a class I took in college as well. Maybe you didn't read my post carefully or something.

One of the P.E. teachers at my first elementary school was really mean.   >:(

There were two P.E. teachers at that time....one was the really mean one and the other (an African-American gentleman) was the complete opposite...he was so much fun and extremely nice.  Not to mention a real cutie!   :D

We were always happy to get the nice P.E. teacher on some days....then on days we get the mean one most of us clam up (unless it's one of the kids who like to get into trouble just for the hell of it).   :-\\

I think I might have been in a school with a mean P.E. teacher or two.

Oh yes. During my sophomore year of HS, there was an Adaptive P.E. teacher who seemed to have a bad attitude. Thankfully I didn't have him, but a friend of mine did. I ran into the guy in the locker room a couple of times; he seemed to take an instant disliking to me for some reason. Maybe it was because I was getting picked on by other kids.

Gym teachers can be so mean. >:(
Making the class run cross country (in the rain) when the football pitch too water logged to play on.

I remember when our gym teachers told us to jog in place before a workout.

I remember when our gym teachers told us to jog in place before a workout.
That is a part of lossening up for warming up.

I remember when our gym teachers told us to jog in place before a workout.

I had one who had us do special exercises before play (which was good; we all need warmups), and our last calesthenic was to do a specified number of jumping jacks. If one of us screwed up (by NOT doing the right #, especially one too many), our instructor made us all run one lap. However, there were a few times when he let only the screw-ups (those who screwed up) run.

I had one who had us do special exercises before play (which was good; we all need warmups), and our last calesthenic was to do a specified number of jumping jacks. If one of us screwed up (by NOT doing the right #, especially one too many), our instructor made us all run one lap. However, there were a few times when he let only the screw-ups (those who screwed up) run.


Did they ever tell you to do pushups? ???

I remember when our gym teachers told us to jog in place before a workout.


My high school P.E. teacher would have us do that before class, plus stretching exercises.

I remember when our gym teachers told us to jog in place before a workout.

We used to do this in Montreal when it was -10 or -15 degrees outside. The gym teacher really loved us .

Did they ever tell you to do pushups? ???

Yeah, but I didn't mind. However, I dreaded doing situps, cuz I had such a hard time with 'em.

Yeah, but I didn't mind. However, I dreaded doing situps, cuz I had such a hard time with 'em.


Sit-ups, my least favorite exercise!  I had a really hard time with that exercise, too.

Sit-ups are hard for me too.

Sit-ups, my least favorite exercise!  I had a really hard time with that exercise, too.

In my early days, I needed someone to hold my feet while I did them, just so I'd stay in position!

In my early days, I needed someone to hold my feet while I did them, just so I'd stay in position!


That always helps.  We did that sometimes, too. 

That always helps.  We did that sometimes, too. 

yeah. It's just that after a certain point, a person should be able to do them without any help. Some gym instructors have referred to that type of exercise as "crunches".

In my early days, I needed someone to hold my feet while I did them, just so I'd stay in position!

I can still do about 10 sit-ups before (almost) losing my breath, but it's hard.

I can still do about 10 sit-ups before (almost) losing my breath, but it's hard.
I know my limitations when walking.

I know my limitations when walking.

Because of your bad back.

Because of your bad back.
Yes, walking for 20 minutes at the most and avoid walking around shopping malls.

Yes, walking for 20 minutes at the most and avoid walking around shopping malls.

Then you must sit for a rest after that.

Then you must sit for a rest after that.
In an upright chair, many of the public seats are not suitable for rme.

In an upright chair, many of the public seats are not suitable for rme.

Because you require some type of back support.

Because you require some type of back support.
Support when sitting.

Support when sitting.

I understand.

I understand.
It amazes me to see young people slouching on seats/chairs which will cause back problems later on in life.

It amazes me to see young people slouching on seats/chairs which will cause back problems later on in life.

It might do that. But young people really don't care about that.

It might do that. But young people really don't care about that.
It seems nowadays that they care about anything.

It seems nowadays that they care about anything.

Ah, the youth of today... :\'(

Ah, the youth of today... :\'(
I fear the thought of what the next generation will be like.

I fear the thought of what the next generation will be like.

I do as well. Seems the word "respect" no longer exists in the newer generation (in most cases)

I do as well. Seems the word "respect" no longer exists in the newer generation (in most cases)
lack of curtesy too.

lack of curtesy too.

and they do not listen to authority.

and they do not listen to authority.
....because their ears are plugged into earphones.

....because their ears are plugged into earphones.


and yammering on their cell phones. >:(

Support when sitting.


I understand.

I understand too.

I understand too.
Certain chairs can strengthen the back muscles, but the right one has to be found.

It amazes me to see young people slouching on seats/chairs which will cause back problems later on in life.

And they wonder why they have those problems with themselves.



I do as well. Seems the word "respect" no longer exists in the newer generation (in most cases)


lack of courtesy too.

I know, that's sad, isn't it? :(

I was always taught to show respect to everyone, especially elders.

Certain chairs can strengthen the back muscles, but the right one has to be found.

Of course. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right one of those.

Of course. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right one of those.
Erogonomic chairs are the right kind, but they do take a lot of practice on sitting on them

Erogonomic chairs are the right kind, but they do take a lot of practice on sitting on them

That's another thing. There are special chairs designed for specific problems...and people would need to learn how to properly use them.

That's another thing. There are special chairs designed for specific problems...and people would need to learn how to properly use them.
The one I used previously must have had a screw missing and was considered a death trap.

The one I used previously must have had a screw missing and was considered a death trap.

Defects are certainly a drawback. Did you do something about it?

Defects are certainly a drawback. Did you do something about it?
I did the best I could, but it replied on other to repai it for me, for I cannot bend my body that well.

Erogonomic chairs are the right kind, but they do take a lot of practice on sitting on them


What are ergonamic chairs?

What are ergonamic chairs?
An office chair that's ergonomic supports the lower back and promotes good posture.

An office chair that's ergonomic supports the lower back and promotes good posture.


Thanks :)

Thanks :)
No problem

There are plenty of sofas that help support the back.

There are plenty of sofas that help support the back.
...but you can sit on a sofa in an office to work at an computer desk.

...but you can sit on a sofa in an office to work at an computer desk.


That's much comfortable.

That's much comfortable.
I find sofas a pain, the seating is too low.

I find sofas a pain, the seating is too low.


plus you might have the feeling you might slouch.

plus you might have the feeling you might slouch.
Like the teenagers do.

I find sofas a pain, the seating is too low.

Sometimes chairs can be too low for certain tables. Today I had lunch at a place that had a table with chairs that were too low for the table itself, but comfortable anyway.

I fear the thought of what the next generation will be like.


I'm hoping things will be better for the next generation.  :)

I'm hoping things will be better for the next generation.   :)



and better chairs.

and better chairs.


That too!  ;D

I'm hoping things will be better for the next generation.  :)

They need to be constructed better.



and better chairs.

I prefer to sit in ones that have soft seats.

Sometimes chairs can be too low for certain tables. Today I had lunch at a place that had a table with chairs that were too low for the table itself, but comfortable anyway.
I have taken to siting on a cushion.

I have taken to siting on a cushion.


I love seats with cushions,better for my back.

I love seats with cushions,better for my back.
Helps the posture too, especially on a low chair.

Helps the posture too, especially on a low chair.


it corrects it too.

I love seats with cushions,better for my back.


Helps the posture too, especially on a low chair.

I always look for adequate back support when sitting on a chair. I actually have somewhat of a back problem myself, but I get exercise every day.

I always look for adequate back support when sitting on a chair. I actually have somewhat of a back problem myself, but I get exercise every day.
The right exercises will help the back

The right exercises will help the back


like a nice jog.

like a nice jog.
Jogging and running are no good for a bad back, with the constant pounding of the feet on the ground.

Jogging and running are no good for a bad back, with the constant pounding of the feet on the ground.


maybe some crunches or sit ups.

maybe some crunches or sit ups.
I have my presrcibed exercises.

I have my presrcibed exercises.


Are they good for you?

Are they good for you?
They have done and are stilling the job for me, but my condition is for life.

They have done and are stilling the job for me, but my condition is for life.

sorry to hear that. :-\\

By the way I think we have a fitness and exercise thread which probably hasn't been updated in maybe a year or so.

I walk a lot which is good for me.

sorry to hear that. :-\\

By the way I think we have a fitness and exercise thread which probably hasn't been updated in maybe a year or so.
Walking is better for me, but not too much now.

Walking is better for me, but not too much now.


I walk but not as much as I used to.

I walk but not as much as I used to.
I should be out more often.

Walking is better for me, but not too much now.


Ditto here :)  I am dittoing the back condition....I have one too.

I should be out more often.


That's a good idea.

I should be out more often.

Ditto here :)

That's a good idea.
Walk for about 20 minutes each day, around the block.

Walk for about 20 minutes each day, around the block.


in the morning would be best before the sun comes up.

Walk for about 20 minutes each day, around the block.

Walk around the block, then rock around the clock and talk around the dock.

Walk around the block, then rock around the clock and talk around the dock.
With not too much rocking!

With not too much rocking!

maybe in a chair afterwards

maybe in a chair afterwards
I like my chair to be steady.

I like my chair to be steady.



and comfortable.

and comfortable.
with cushions

with cushions


plenty of cushions with mine.

with cushions


Mine too...helps my back

Mine too...helps my back


and your spine too.

Mine too...helps my back

It also helps mine.

I once had a bad back.

I once had a bad back.

I hope you improved it.

I had a bad back (resulting from an automobile accident) , back in the late 1980s, but it has improved quite a bit, now it's almost not noticeable.

I hope you improved it.


it must've been from cracking it so much.

I had a bad back (resulting from an automobile accident) , back in the late 1980s, but it has improved quite a bit, now it's almost not noticeable.

On the subject of accidents, my mom had a roller skating accident almost 20 years ago which permanently dislocated a bone in her right wrist, but it got better as the 80s became the 90s. However, as she had physical therapy done on it, she had to learn to write left-handed, which was not easy. But the left-handed writing was only temporary. About ten years later, she was worried that the accident would affect her bowling, but it wasn't too bad.

On the subject of accidents, my mom had a roller skating accident almost 20 years ago which permanently dislocated a bone in her right wrist, but it got better as the 80s became the 90s. However, as she had physical therapy done on it, she had to learn to write left-handed, which was not easy. But the left-handed writing was only temporary. About ten years later, she was worried that the accident would affect her bowling, but it wasn't too bad.


How is she feeling these days?

How is she feeling these days?

Oh, just fine.

How's your Father doing?

How's your Father doing?

Perfectly fine.

And as for me, I've been pretty healthy this year. :)

I'm pretty healthy,my blood pressure has been good 120/80,gained a little weight (180) and healthwise no problems as of late except for a slight wrist problem.

Other than needing to lose some weight, I'm feeling OK right now.

I might need to work out a little more. I can't spend too long in front of the computer...too much of it is not good for the eyes. Which reminds me...it's been a few years since I last had an eye exam.

I've had plenty of eye exams but maybe in the future I may need glasses.

I've had plenty of eye exams but maybe in the future I may need glasses.

I'm grateful to not need them at all. Both my parents wear some kind of glasses, but the only kinds I've ever worn are sunglasses...which I wear outdoors when the sun is out, to protect my eyes from the harmful UV Rays!

I'm grateful to not need them at all. Both my parents wear some kind of glasses, but the only kinds I've ever worn are sunglasses...which I wear outdorrs when the sun is out, to protect my eyes from the harmful UV Rays!


I'm always wearing sunglasses.

I'm always wearing sunglasses.

Me too...but just outdoors, as I said above.

I only put them on indoors when there is lots of sunlight and glare coming into a room and there's no way to block it out.

Me too...but just outdoors, as I said above.

I only put them on indoors when there is lots of sunlight and glare coming into a room and there's no way to block it out.



I sometimes wear sunglasses indoors depends on how much light there is.

Then you must sit for a rest after that.

I have done too much resting myself lately...mainly because I don't have too much to keep myself busy these days. :-\\

I love to keep busy.

I love to keep busy.

It's times like these when I would enjoy doing that sort of thing too. I like to be productive. :)

the only times that I don't keep busy is on my days off.

..and these days, I seem to have too many days off. Only because I'm not working yet.

..and these days, I seem to have too many days off. Only because I'm not working yet.



something's telling me that you should.  ;)

something's telling me that you should.  ;)

I would...but for nearly a year now I've been trying to find a job. I've applied several different places, but no one has contacted me for a possible interview or anything. :-\\ :(

I would...but for nearly a year now I've been trying to find a job. I've applied several different places, but no one has contacted me for a possible interview or anything. :-\\ :(



What have you done for the time being?

What have you done for the time being?

Twiddle my thumbs?

Wait for someone to respond?

Or keep myself busy by helping out with projects around the house.

Jeff, how are you at driving around L.A.?

Well, I feel pretty confident at driving on my own, but I haven't driven long distances yet. I think I might have driven at most 5 miles one way by myself (that is, with no one in the car but me). In April I drove 20 miles one way to the dentist's office, but my dad accompanied me in the car because I was driving a long distance on the freeway for the first time and I needed someone to give me helpful tips on how to handle driving quickly up a hill.

Twiddle my thumbs?

Wait for someone to respond?

Or keep myself busy by helping out with projects around the house.


It's always good to be busy.

It's always good to be busy.

I know. It's even more important to be able to make money for yourself.

I know. It's even more important to be able to make money for yourself.


and making money is a good thing.

Well, I feel pretty confident at driving on my own, but I haven't driven long distances yet. I think I might have driven at most 5 miles one way by myself (that is, with no one in the car but me). In April I drove 20 miles one way to the dentist's office, but my dad accompanied me in the car because I was driving a long distance on the freeway for the first time and I needed someone to give me helpful tips on how to handle driving quickly up a hill.


I think you may be overcomplicating the whole driving thing!  After I first got my licence (I got it when I was 19 ...which was considered late back in the 70's)...I jumped in the car and just drove down the coast one Saturday (interstate). I drove for 6 hrs ...spent 1 hr at a beach which we holidayed at when I was younger...and then I drove all the way back home. Mum and Dad didn't even know where I'd gone (they just assumed I'd been over a friends place). On top of that it was pouring rain for at least half the journey.

I really enjoyed my first big driving adventure... ;)

Well, I feel pretty confident at driving on my own, but I haven't driven long distances yet. I think I might have driven at most 5 miles one way by myself (that is, with no one in the car but me). In April I drove 20 miles one way to the dentist's office, but my dad accompanied me in the car because I was driving a long distance on the freeway for the first time and I needed someone to give me helpful tips on how to handle driving quickly up a hill.


It took me awhile to feel confident behind the wheel when I first got my driver's license.  I was 16 and I can understand my parents' concern about me driving, so it was quite a while before I could drive longer distances.

It took me awhile to feel confident behind the wheel when I first got my driver's license.  I was 16 and I can understand my parents' concern about me driving, so it was quite a while before I could drive longer distances.

I was 27 when I finally got mine. It took me that long before I was ready to learn to drive.

I like to drive. I had driven some long distances (Toronto to Vancouver...and back, also Montreal to Virginia)
I drove 1,000km a day for 4 days in a row once.

I have thought about traveling long distances on my own...but I have had a few concerns. 1) The only car I'm insured to drive is a Toyota Camry that is almost 18 years old, with close to 268,000 miles on it, but it's a great car and I've enjoyed it even before I ever learned to drive. 2) The cost of gasoline.

I have thought about traveling long distances on my own...but I have had a few concerns. 1) The only car I'm insured to drive is a Toyota Camry that is almost 18 years old, with close to 268,000 miles on it, but it's a great car and I've enjoyed it even before I ever learned to drive. 2) The cost of gasoline.

You might not want to drive long distances on such an old car.

I'm glad I don't drive,I'm bus savvy and for the past 20 years,I've had public transportation knowledge.

You might not want to drive long distances on such an old car.

I haven't driven it more than 20 miles one way.

Do you drive on the freeway?

Do you drive on the freeway?

Who, me?

If you read my above posts, you'll see that I mentioned that I did drive on the freeway a few times.



Well, I feel pretty confident at driving on my own, but I haven't driven long distances yet. I think I might have driven at most 5 miles one way by myself (that is, with no one in the car but me). In April I drove 20 miles one way to the dentist's office, but my dad accompanied me in the car because I was driving a long distance on the freeway for the first time and I needed someone to give me helpful tips on how to handle driving quickly up a hill.


And the first time I ever drove on it was in January of 2008.

Do you drive on the freeway?

I like driving on the highway. The fastest I have gone so far is about 180km/h (which is about 110 mph). It was fun....but don't try that.  Frank bad....

I'm glad I don't drive,Thank God for being bus savvy for the past 20 years.  :)

I'm glad I don't drive,Thank God for being bus savvy for the past 20 years.  :)

I used to rely on public transportation just about all the time. Especially during my first two years in college (1998-2000). I would ride the city bus home. There was a bus line that began across the street from the community college I attended, and approximately one mile away I would connect with a bus line that would pass by my neighborhood.

Of course, there was the occasion when the bus would break down and it would take me longer than usual to get home. Even worse, one of those times I didn't have a phone so I couldn't call anyone (especially my mom) to let her know of the situation, so she'd be worried. That particular time (when I didn't have a phone yet and the bus broke down) was 11 years ago today...the last time that this date had fallen on a Monday.

I like driving on the highway. The fastest I have gone so far is about 180km/h (which is about 110 mph). It was fun....but don't try that.  Frank bad....

I wouldn't. It sounds too dangerous. :o

I wouldn't. It sounds too dangerous. :o

I was young at the time and wanted to see how fast the car could go.

I was young at the time and wanted to see how fast the car could go.

One of the earliest things I noticed about a car's dashboard was the maximum number on the speedometer dial, and I wondered if a car could seriously go that fast. (Little kids often wonder about things like that when they see 'em.) But later on in life I learned that it wouldn't be too safe for the car.

One of the earliest things I noticed about a car's dashboard was the maximum number on the speedometer dial, and I wondered if a car could seriously go that fast. (Little kids often wonder about things like that when they see 'em.) But later on in life I learned that it wouldn't be too safe for the car.

Yes the speedometer can reach the maximum. I've been in a car that went over 200kph

Yes the speedometer can reach the maximum. I've been in a car that went over 200kph

which is approximately 125 mph.

Has anyone ever met Miss Elanius?

Has anyone ever met Miss Elanius?

Oh...I get it. ;D

Can you look up Dick Shenari for me?

I think you may be overcomplicating the whole driving thing!  After I first got my licence (I got it when I was 19 ...which was considered late back in the 70's)...I jumped in the car and just drove down the coast one Saturday (interstate). I drove for 6 hrs ...spent 1 hr at a beach which we holidayed at when I was younger...and then I drove all the way back home. Mum and Dad didn't even know where I'd gone (they just assumed I'd been over a friends place). On top of that it was pouring rain for at least half the journey.

I really enjoyed my first big driving adventure... ;)

Nothing I would try to do with a car that has been around for 18 years.

I remember in 1988,I took my first bus and used my very first bus pass.

Nothing I would try to do with a car that has been around for 18 years.

You shouldn't drive 500 miles with it, but driving around the city and short trips are OK, if the Car is well maintained. I had a car for 17 years, gave me little trouble.

You shouldn't drive 500 miles with it, but driving around the city and short trips are OK, if the Car is well maintained. I had a car for 17 years, gave me little trouble.


Do you still drive?

Do you still drive?

Yes. I took a trip to Washington State just about 2 months ago.

Yes. I took a trip to Washington State just about 2 months ago.


How long did that take?

How long did that take?

Not long to the border. Maybe 20 minutes?
I can see the US from my office window (mountains in the North West of Washington State)

I like driving on the highway. The fastest I have gone so far is about 180km/h (which is about 110 mph). It was fun....but don't try that.  Frank bad....


I enjoy driving on a highway, too, but I think the fastest I've ever driven was 80 mph.  Even then people were zooming right past me!  :o

You shouldn't drive 500 miles with it, but driving around the city and short trips are OK, if the Car is well maintained. I had a car for 17 years, gave me little trouble.

Definitely not 500. In fact, anytime we go on a trip that is more than 100 miles in one direction, we always rent a car. Just to save wear-and-tear on our own cars. My mom had to travel to Santa Maria (which is 110 miles north-by-northwest of here via Highway 101) for a week-long seminar, so yesterday we picked up a rental car which will need to be returned on Saturday.

I enjoy driving on a highway, too, but I think the fastest I've ever driven was 80 mph.  Even then people were zooming right past me!  :o

I like driving fast, it must be the Italian blood in me.

I don't think I've driven faster than 65 or 70 mph. And this was on the freeway...in the slow lane.

Hopefully a year from now (or sometime before then) I will be more proficient at driving on the freeway so that I can ultimately do it on my own.

Yes. I took a trip to Washington State just about 2 months ago.


Not long to the border. Maybe 20 minutes?
I can see the US from my office window (mountains in the North West of Washington State)

Oh yes...you must live very close to the U.S.-Canada border!!

My dad took trips with his parents when he was a kid growing up...and often times his parents would drive across the country from California to South Dakota (where his grandparents lived when they were alive), and that would take a few days. And they didn't even rent a car; I think my dad said that his parents owned a station wagon back then (this was in the 1960's, btw).

Oh yes...you must live very close to the U.S.-Canada border!!



Pretty close. We have a wonderful view of Mount baker (In Washington, if you can find that on a map)

Pretty close. We have a wonderful view of Mount baker (In Washington, if you can find that on a map)

I bet I could. I have never been there...or to anywhere in Washington State for that matter, but my mom had gone there once in the mid-1970's to visit a cousin of hers who lives in Seattle.

I bet I could. I have never been there...or to anywhere in Washington State for that matter, but my mom had gone there once in the mid-1970's to visit a cousin of hers who lives in Seattle.

I have been to Seattle a half-dozen times at least, nice city, nice pier. Good seafood. Nice Zoo & Aquarium.
I have been to Safeco & Kingdome (outside, but not inside)

I have been to Seattle a half-dozen times at least, nice city, nice pier. Good seafood. Nice Zoo & Aquarium.
I have been to Safeco & Kingdome (outside, but not inside)


I've always wanted to visit the Seattle area.  I hope I can visit someday.  :)

I've always wanted to visit the Seattle area.  I hope I can visit someday.   :)

I think it might be great. Heck, there are several parts of the U.S. that I'd like to visit at some point in my life.

I've always wanted to visit the Seattle area.  I hope I can visit someday.  :)

It's a nice area. Even all the little islands up north, very nice.

It's a nice area. Even all the little islands up north, very nice.

I bet they are!

I bet they are!

San Juan Islands. Very nice. Anywhere along the west coast, from South Oregon up to Canada is very nice. I'm sure its' also nice along the coast in California, but have not been there.

What areas haven't you visited Frank?

What areas haven't you visited Frank?
I haven't been to many a place.

What areas haven't you visited Frank?

I have never been to Africa nor South America (I've been to Mexico tho)

I have never been to Africa nor South America (I've been to Mexico tho)



Is Mexico hot?

Is Mexico hot?

It's closer to the Equator than the US, so it's quite hot there.

It's closer to the Equator than the US, so it's quite hot there.


Have you tried their chili?

Have you tried their chili?
I always keep away from chilli.

I always keep away from chilli.



I like Chili but nothing too spicy.

Have you tried their chili?

I can't eat chilli. I'm allergic to something in there.

I can't eat chilli. I'm allergic to something in there.


could it be the peppers? ???

could it be the peppers? ???

beans and the spices.

beans and the spices.



I love the beans and spices but unfortunately the bathroom calls my name the next day. :P
;D

I love the beans and spices but unfortunately the bathroom calls my name the next day. :P
;D

or you make sounds just like the Blazing saddles film.

Is Mexico hot?



It's closer to the Equator than the US, so it's quite hot there.

I believe it.

My parents went to Mexico on a cruise two years ago. It made port stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. They had a great time, altho I wish I could've gone too. But I had to take care of our little dog.

or you make sounds just like the Blazing saddles film.


and the stuff lay on you the next day.  :P

So...what shall we discuss now?

So...what shall we discuss now?

Baseball?

Coffee.

Baseball?

Yep, there's about one month left of the regular season. I wish that the Evil Empire didn't have such a big lead in the AL East. I'd like to see them suffer a late-season collapse, like the Mets (the other NY team) did the past couple years...but the way things are going, I'm not sure.

Coffee.

I often drink it in the morning to help me stay awake.

Yep, there's about one month left of the regular season. I wish that the Evil Empire didn't have such a big lead in the AL East. I'd like to see them suffer a late-season collapse, like the Mets (the other NY team) did the past couple years...but the way things are going, I'm not sure.

Don't see that happening. It's up to The Angels or RedSox to beat them in the playoffs

Don't see that happening. It's up to The Angels or RedSox to beat them in the playoffs

In the ALDS, it would most likely be the Angels or the AL Central winner (most likely the Tigers). Because in the Division Series, two teams from the same division can't face each other. And both the Angels (2002, 2005) and Tigers (2006) have beaten the begesus out of the Spankees in the first round.

I often drink it in the morning to help me stay awake.



I love Dunkin Donuts coffee.