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Post by joanne28 on Oct 4, 2012 1:34:08 GMT
While hacking away with an Exacto knife (box cutter for Americans), I managed to give myself an inch long slash across the knuckle of my thumb. It bled like a beast & then I got a bandage on it. This was at work & we haven't got any peroxide. I don't think it will get infected. At least it was my left thumb and not my right.
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Post by htmb on Oct 4, 2012 1:41:38 GMT
Ouch!!!
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Post by joanne28 on Oct 5, 2012 21:53:56 GMT
Today I decided that having a bandaged left thumb wasn't enough. You know how some garage doors have panels which bend? I put two fingers (of my left hand naturally) in the bend and pulled down. It took a couple of seconds but I managed to pull the door up again. Doesn't look like there's any damage but they're still sore and I did this about two hours ago.
These were all sheer, unadulterated stupidity on my part.
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Post by lagatta on Oct 7, 2012 2:17:51 GMT
I had never heard the term "box cutter" until 9/11, though I realized what it was, as people cut boxes open with Exactos, which I've also heard called Stanley knives. In art school, they were mat knives, as they were used to carefully cut the mat around a drawing or painting (now machines that do that with a nice bevelled edge are standard). I've been suffering from the roadwork that has been going on in my street since April - changing old waterworks, then installing optic cable lines because of the Bell building across the street. This has been misery, getting into my eyes and nasal cavity and making me feel like hell - and of course making our houses filthy, having to dust and wipe down the rooms every day. The stuff comes through the screens, and even now that it is cooler, seems to infiltrate closed windows. They finished that job but then left the cowpath in place of a street for several weeks - now they have finally been layering in the dirt, then gravel, needed to grade a road. Hope the layers of asphalt will be coming up next week. Bixa, Cannoli: it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannolo I guess you can't fault Spanish-speakers with leaving out the second N. Any decent cannoli between New Orleans and Buenos Aires? Or Salsiccia?
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Post by htmb on Oct 12, 2012 23:41:07 GMT
The cost to rent the wonderful Paris apartment I've stayed in the past three summers has increased once again. Though I am not surprised, if I do decide to go back again next summer I now think it's time for me to move on to another part of the city. I really felt very much at home there, but am telling myself this is yet another opportunity to grow and better learn another part of the city. But I'm still pretty bummed
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2012 23:50:33 GMT
I was often disappointed when forced to go to an unknown area of cities that I thought I knew. And frankly, I always ended up delighted to discover a new area, which I sometimes even found better than the old place.
My own trauma: at tonight's dinner party, it was decided by the others that the next dinner must take place at my apartment.
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Post by htmb on Oct 13, 2012 0:20:43 GMT
I don't mind going to another part of the city. I'm actually excited about that, I think. I just really liked the apartment. It's very cozy with an interesting, artsy decor. Despite the five flights up (or maybe because of) it's really a great little home away.
I've stayed In the tenth, as well as Ile Saint-Louis. I've been pretty lazy about reading apartment reviews, but guess I need to start giving this some thought.
As for your trauma, Kerouac, you HAVE been decorating, after-all. What will you cook? Something good I am sure.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 13, 2012 4:33:34 GMT
Thanks, Mossie. I had to take a total of eight airplanes, the better to catch something from the recycled air. Ay, Joanne ~~ are you sure I haven't taken over your body? I get on a roll of hurting myself, usually when I'm depressed or otherwise stressed. I was scrolling to the bottom of the thread to answer Joanne's box cutter comment, then saw that LaGatta already had, in practically the same words I was going to use. In fact, when the Sept. 11 news was broadcast, I had to ask someone what a box cutter was. LaGatta, if you miss that dust when the road is finished, you are quite welcome to come here for the six dry months of the year. And WHY would you show me that decadently beautiful, gloriously overstuffed, perfect cannolo?! *moan* No, nothing even close between here & NO, unless there's some little pocket of Palermo in Mexico City. You're right about forgiving native Spanish speakers for leaving out the 2nd n, but NOT when they're the same people who put turkey wienies in classic Italian dishes. Sorry about the forced march, Htmb. I imagine by this time you've read these two threads, to which you'll now undoubtedly be contributing: anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=paris&action=display&thread=3582&page=1 & anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=paris&action=display&thread=4108&page=1And now to bring this back to a petty personal trauma ~~ when I went to find those threads for Htmb I became horribly embarrassed at how much great new stuff there is on the Paris board that I haven't seen at all.
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Post by htmb on Oct 13, 2012 12:37:19 GMT
Thanks for the links, bixa
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Post by lagatta on Oct 14, 2012 22:34:21 GMT
Bixa, Palermo is a whole district of Buenos Aires - it is described as a "barrio", but certainly looks much more extensive than what one would typically describe as a "neighbourhood": Palermo es un barrio de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires principalmente residencial aunque con edificios de oficina que fueron incrementándose en la última década. Ubicado al norte de la ciudad, su territorio abarca la totalidad de la Comuna 14. Con 15,9 km2 de superficie, es el de mayor extensión de la ciudad1 y se destaca por sus elegantes viviendas y sus calles arboladas. Esta zona se encuentran las principales productoras audiovisuales del país, como canal 7 y parte de los estudios de canal 13. Es uno de los barrios que sufre más indundaciones. es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palermo_(Buenos_Aires)
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 17, 2012 22:58:24 GMT
Um, I was thinking of the better-known Palermo! My trauma: I am totally sick of not feeling well!
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Post by mossie on Oct 18, 2012 7:17:28 GMT
Please get better, Bixa.
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Post by rikita on Oct 18, 2012 12:41:28 GMT
sorry you are not feeling well, bixa... *hug*
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Post by mich64 on Oct 18, 2012 15:07:47 GMT
Is it the flu Bixa? Are flu shots offered there? I am considering getting mine here soon. Hopefully you will feel better very soon.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 18, 2012 17:05:18 GMT
Awww, you all are kind ~~ thanks!
I don't know what this is. It's not flat out go to bed and stay there illness, just malaise. I got a sore throat, headache, and general aching the day before I left for the US & have not yet popped back. I know a couple of people here suffering the same symptoms, so it must be something going around. I'm getting very bored with myself for being this way!
Mich, I've never gotten a flu shot. They are offered here, but I avoid all forms of medical intervention if at all possible.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 17:06:56 GMT
Some of the newer (?) flus hang on for a very long time. Last winter in France, anybody who got it felt pretty awful for at least two weeks instead of the standard 2-3 days.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 18, 2012 17:10:32 GMT
Really? That actually makes me feel better. My paranoia was making me review the poorly remember seven warning signs of this, that, & the other. I thought I could add a poll to my post, but it's at the top of the page. Should I remove it?
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Post by mich64 on Oct 18, 2012 17:41:00 GMT
I had to get the flu shot last year when I went through the process of voluteering at the hospital, it was mandatory. I had not had one before and am unsure if I will get one this year. Here as well I have heard of people suffering a few weeks from flu like symptoms. Perhaps that is the new flu this year. Sorry to read that you possibly have it. The only advice I can give is to drink plenty of fluids to flush your system. I am sure you are probably already doing this, but just in case you are not, drink up!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 17:48:30 GMT
My mother is automatically given a flu shot every year (with my permission), but I don't really think that she needs it. She has always been the most flu resistant person that I have ever known in my life (which probably means that she will die from it when she finally gets it). My GP always asks me to give him my mother's official "flu shot coupon" that she gets free*, so that he can give free flu shots to people who can't afford to get the dose at the pharmacy. It is quite cheap and it is almost completely reimbursed by normal health coverage, but my neighbourhood is full of undocumented refugees who simply cannot pay.
*it is free for anybody over the age of 65 and other specified health categories
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 18, 2012 18:03:06 GMT
Thanks, Mich. I just went to get a glass of water after reading your post!
I guess people working or living with groups of others are encouraged to get the shot to ward off anything that might spread.
I see further back on this thread that I was whining about getting cold or flu symptoms the day before I left on my trip, plus the necessity of breathing recycled air on eight (8) different airplanes. That brings me to yet another petty personal trauma:
The flight from Mexico City to Reynosa (where my sister was picking me up) boarded late. When we finally got on board & taxied a ways, the plane stopped and we were told that there was no 1st officer, so we'd be taking off when a replacement arrived "in 10 or 15 minutes". Twenty minutes later, we were told that one was on the way & we'd take off "in 10 or 15 minutes". Another twenty minutes later the captain came on the speaker and apologized to all the passengers. He was obviously angry and pointed out that the situation was completely unacceptable. He asked all of us to pull out the comment page from the in-flight magazine & to fill it out to give to the flight attendant when we exited. The 1st officer arrived shortly afterward, but the plane had lost its place in line so that we still had a hefty wait before taking off.
I must say that being told the truth & knowing that the Aeromexico personnel were quite annoyed on their own and our behalf made the situation less infuriating somehow.
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Post by mossie on Oct 18, 2012 18:23:02 GMT
Here in the UK old age pensioners and people considered at special risk are given a free, but optional, flu jab. In my case I had a bad case of bronchitis in my mid fifties and my doctor gave me a flu jab when the winter started and advised me that I should have one every year. I have done that and very rarely get so much as a cold. However I don't go on aeroplanes any more, not because I'm afraid of flying or catching anything on them. I just cannot stand the forced wait and visit to expensive airport shops which the current system imposes on one.
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Post by rikita on Oct 18, 2012 18:40:32 GMT
i usually never get flu shots, as i don't tend to get sick much, and usually cycle to work and all... but this year i wwant to get one, as i am not cycling but taking public transport, work in an office with other people, and during pregnancy you are apparently more likely to get the flu and when you get it, it is often worse than usual...
it is a pain to get the stupid shot though - i wanted to go to the doctor on my day off three weeks ago - but they were closed that day for administrative reasons. then later i tried to call them first to find out if the stuff they have there is even okay for pregnant women (my midwife told me to ask first) and i rarely ever get through as they are currently so busy, they don#t always answer their phone... so it took several days, then it turned out their regular doctor wasn't there and i was supposed to ring back next monday. on tuesday i got through, but the doctor hadn't checked yet if the shots were okay, so i was told to ring back next day. i got through, but they still hadn't checked but agreed to write down my number and call me... which they didn't, so i went there today (my next day off) as i needed some other stuff anyway.
the doctor checked when i was there, the shots are okay for me, but as i am currently on antibiotics for a bladder infection she said i shouldn't get a flu shot just now. so i have to go back next week...
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 18, 2012 18:41:10 GMT
It is true that almost all the fun and excitement have been sucked out of air travel. (it's still fun to look out the window, though) Another trauma: When I passed through the security check at the Oaxaca airport, I was told I couldn't keep the water I had with me, but that I could dump it out & refill the bottle at the water fountain in the waiting area. Okay. But there is no longer a water fountain there! I went to the snack concession & asked for the half-liter bottle of water. It was 25 pesos!!! That's almost two US or Canadian dollars, over one British Pound, or @1 1/2 Euro!. Humph! I had a glass of water on the plane, then bought the same half-liter sized water in the Mexico City airport for 11 pesos.
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 18, 2012 18:42:26 GMT
Didn't see your simul-post, Rikita. Do you maybe feel that something is telling you to skip the shot?
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Post by rikita on Oct 18, 2012 18:43:34 GMT
actually i have wondered that... but then, it'd be really bad if i gave up, and then got the flu...
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Post by onlymark on Oct 18, 2012 19:24:28 GMT
I just cannot stand the forced wait and visit to expensive airport shops which the current system imposes on one. Certainly different to waiting in the Officers Mess until your batman sends a message to say, "Excuse me Sir, but your aircraft awaits without." Another trauma: When I passed through the security check at the Oaxaca airport, I was told I couldn't keep the water I had with me, but that I could dump it out & refill the bottle at the water fountain in the waiting area. Okay. But there is no longer a water fountain there! In Cairo airport it was a regular system that you went through security to get airside and had to dump any water bottles. That is quite normal, in the Duty Free area you could buy more for the flight - BUT there was another security area to go through to your gate where you also weren't allowed fluids either. So any you had bought was then disposed off again. Needless to say within the gate there was no refreshments at all.
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Post by bjd on Oct 18, 2012 19:30:42 GMT
Speaking of flu shots -- we talked about them with a friend who was a biochemist for a big pharmaceutical company for years. He said flu shots are only useful if you regularly got flu during your life, or if you are asthmatic or have other respiratory issues.
He also told us that there is no point in getting the shot in October because the effectiveness wears off after a couple of months and high season for flu is in fact January and February.
I don't get them and have had real flu maybe twice in my life so I don't believe I'm at high risk.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2012 19:44:48 GMT
Good to know BJD. Thanks. I have a dr.'s appointment on the 30th of this month and I just know she is going to try to persuade me to get a flu shot. I will pass along your friends information.I got a shot last year and got sick regardless.
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Post by patricklondon on Oct 19, 2012 5:46:43 GMT
Isn't the flu jab also about maintaining "herd immunity" against whatever's likely to be the most prevalent strain this season (and therefore inhibiting its capacity to mingle with other strains and mutate into something nastier?), at least as much as protecting any one individual? I've reached the age to be personally invited for it by the NHS, and I had no qualms about it (I was also offered a one-term shot against pneumonia). Here's what they have to say about people's concerns about the flu jab: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu-jab/Pages/FAQs.aspx
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Post by mossie on Oct 19, 2012 7:34:59 GMT
Ah Mark, if only. I was a humble sergeant and was forced to prop up the sergeants mess bar. I also did my share of strapped in to cockpits with the canopy open and no power, except for the telephone line plugged into the end of the fuselage, waiting intently for the order "Scramble". Then it was a shout to the ground crew for power and a mad rush to dash off into the wild blue yonder. Only it wasn't blue, it was nasty black and hissing down, and we wondered where we might finish up. All good fun
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