I was flying from Calgary to Phoenix to visit family and it was a later flight, but still pretty packed. They were getting ready to close the plane and leave the gate and the seat next to me was still empty! I was stoked! When all of a sudden this lady came busting into the plane, she made it with seconds to spare. I’m watching her walk down the aisle and of course she ends up sitting next to me. Oh well. I put my headphones on and stared out the window while the plane takes off.

After a bit my album ended and I went to get a snack out of my bag. Now, when the lady had sat down she immediately put her head in her hands and just stayed that way till she could put the tray down, then she rested her head on her arms. You could just tell she was so torn up and sad. So I got my snack (chocolate covered blueberries) and she sat up a bit, so I offered her some. Well, that started a conversation I will never forget as long as I live. We both were in these crazy situations that were so alike, it was uncanny. And that no one in our normal lives really could understand or help with. Yet there we were, able to be that comfort and support we so desperately needed. We talked nonstop for the rest of the trip. The rest of the plane vanished and we were in our own zone.

When we landed we walked through the airport together to get our luggage and parted ways at the baggage carousel. We didn’t get each others numbers, just a hug and a thank you. I hope she’s doing ok. Sometimes the universe puts you exactly where you need to be, like it did for us that night. Thank you lady from 32B, I will never forget you.

I have two, and they are both very different.

The first is not entirely peaceful or relaxing but it was a moment of pure happiness and respect. We were doing the Swiftsure race and the whole time we had this incredible crew cohesion, like a hive mind. We all knew what we were doing and completely trusted our fellow crew that they did too. The respect I felt from those folks, that I was a valued and knowledgeable member of the team, bouys me when I have moments of imposter syndrome or self doubt. There were peaceful moment during the race, sailing downwind at 3am with the crew all bundled up together, some dozing and some just staring at the multitude of stars in the sky. But it’s the feeling of respect and teamwork that makes it for me. My skipper is the only one I’ll race with anymore, I trust him with my life. We also did pretty damn good with a 3rd place win!

The second is the west coast of Vancouver island. From tofino, Jordan river/renfrew/sombrio, cape scott, anywhere along that coast brings me so much peace. I want to sail around Vancouver Island and spend a month just puttering down the coast.

Thank you for asking such a wonderful question, it’s put me in a great frame of mind ❤️

Edit: And an honourable mention goes to the forests of Appalachia. Western Maryland specifically. The age and gravity of the place makes me feel steeped in the history and lore of the world.

Green vines/ivy? And it’s my knees

Wind and Master and Commander for sailing. And maybe some Pirates of the Caribbean too :)

I haven’t watched Maiden yet, definitely this winter sometime.

I use Hover. They’re based in Canada and I’ve been using them for years for my business domain and email. Was an easy choice for personal too. Every time I’ve had to call the tech support they have fixed the problem super fast, did extra stuff, and were super lovely. $20 a year for a small mailbox each, which is more than enough for us.

On the flip side my husband has held on to the domain he got for 22 YEARS., and never did anything with it. We finally got our emails up and running with it last week. Don’t let your dreams be dreams!

The Benne gesserit is my second favourite quote.

When I die, I hope to be surprised. It’s Oscar Wilde.

This needs to be a copy pasta if it isn’t already. Bravo.

Oh no, that’s the worst feeling. I truly get it though, the inner ear is so important to our basic functioning and when it’s not working right there’s no way to have a regular life. Even basic things like walking are a struggle.

I’m glad I could help you make that next step! I understand how it can be incredibly frightening. I’m lucky (maybe?) that I had my first sets of tubes when I was very very young so it’s something I’ve experienced already and was normalized. If you want to talk about it or have a pep talk before your appt shoot me a message! And they definitely should be able to do something for your anxiety about it, that’s just good patient care. But we’re not always so lucky to have understanding doctors.

I got a tube in my right ear (as it’s the worst) and bilateral eustachian tube dilation in both. With the dilation basically they insert a balloon through my sinuses into my eustachian tubes and inflate it to expand them, hopefully permanently! I was knocked out for it as they had to go through my sinuses but when I’ve gotten tubes in the past they haven’t as they go through the front side of your ear. Don’t be too worried about getting tubes in your ears, I’ve had it done a bunch of times and it’s not that difficult. I didn’t feel any pain just some pressure. Try talking to your doc again about your apprehension, maybe they will reconsider something to calm you. Good luck with it, it can make a world of difference sometimes!

I had ear surgery yesterday that will hopefully help with my hearing loss and sinus drainage. I’ve been waiting for almost two years for this hoping that my country would start to cover the procedure but finally said fuck it, it’s worth it for my quality of life. Feeling like I have a head cold today, but without the sick feeling. So far I think I can hear better already but not sure if it’s just wishful thinking lol. I’m cautiously optimistic!

This is a great thread, definitely cheered me and a lot of other people up. Thanks!

Man, it warms the cockles of my heart that every time I see Maryland in the news they’re either on the right side of history or just kicking ass in general. I may be a Canadian but I grew up there and it will always be my home state. Congrats girl!

Oh my gosh thank you!! I need this exact thing but hadn’t gotten around to figuring out a solution. Much appreciated!!

I wish we had a 30 year! That would be amazing in some ways. I have to renew this year and I’m not looking forward to it.

Not Canada. Highest I’ve seen is 10 year, most of the time it’s 5.

We have to renew in Oct and we were looking at BMO and they have a 10 year fixed now.

Not who you were talking to, but no, the closing costs are one time only. You basically just renew or get a new mortgage somewhere else. Ours is coming up in October, we’re a bit worried but hopeful it won’t be too bad. We’ve got wiggle room as we got a great deal on our house but it’s still going to suck. I have seen a 10 year fixed, might go for that if we can get a good enough rate.

Definitely do! It’s super easy to grow. It likes to spread something fierce though so I’ve done mine in a big pot. Seems to be doing ok.

Me, I do. With pickled jalapeño and cheese.