You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Off Topic Chat
>
Watcha Doing? Version 2015.5
Antibiotics have been overused in the USA historically, but I know they are trying to stop that. I wonder if they are because she is here from overseas so they are being overly cautious.Anyway, Camilla, you are a rock star in my opinion because I would be freaking out. I'm glad she's able to continue her trip. Hopefully you've spoken to her. I know that can make all the difference!
It sounds like everyone had a fun weekend. (Except Camilla's daughter... I hope she is feeling better!). It rained here all weekend. It didn't stop raining for more than an hour starting Thursday night through all day and night Friday. Rained off and on Saturday. Sunday was mostly cloudy with only a couple of sprinkles. If it had rained very much more we could have went canoeing in our backyard since we didn't get to take our planned canoe/camping trip. LOL. The husband and I improvised our weekend and had a date night Friday. Dinner and a movie. Saturday we went to my parents' house. Despite the rain, my father still cooked for us on his smoker. We had bbq pulled pork, tenderloin, all the usual side dishes and I made two big batches of homemade ice cream (vanilla and butterfinger)... it was all delicious! We finished off the night at the bowling alley with a couple of friends. Good times!
I hope your daughter gets better soon Camilla!
Lisa wrote: "I hope your daughter gets better soon Camilla!"Thanks, she is better already, just received a text message from her, she's currently having breakfast (the first meal she's been able to eat in 30 hours) and will be continuing with the rest of the group towards Grand Canyon today.
Kandice wrote: "Antibiotics have been overused in the USA historically, but I know they are trying to stop that. I wonder if they are because she is here from overseas so they are being overly cautious.Anyway, C..."
Yes, it's very possible that they are just being cautious. Apparently they gave her some antiemetics as well, to help during the drive. I spoke to her briefly this morning and I just received a text message from her, she seems to be doing alright. She was able to joke about losing 4-5 kg weight during her sickness.
LOL about the rock star! I don't freak out easily. Both of my girls have earlier traveled several weeks without me, my older daughter spent last year as an exchange student in the US, so I guess I'm just used to them being away, without me being there to hold their hand if they get ill.
I haven't caught up with all the posts yet. Off to work. I don't want to though. I am already late.
Camilla, glad to hear she is doing better. Yes, you are a rick star. Your kids are lucky you are so willing to let them travel, it's awesome!I have to agree on the antibiotic statement, feel the hospitals and doctors really do overprescribe the stuff. I usually find something else to use in place of it if possible. Honeslty, I feel that countries other than the US really are more advanced and more forward thinking when it comes to alot of this stuff. Just MHO! I live in the US... ;)
Tasha wrote: "I have to agree on the antibiotic statement, feel the hospitals and doctors really do overprescribe the stuff. I usually find something else to use in place of it if possible. Honeslty, I feel that countries other than the US really are more advanced and more forward thinking when it comes to alot of this stuff. Just MHO! I live in the US... ;) "Yes, I was happy too to hear that she's doing better. Just because I don't freak out doesn't mean that I don't think about her.
I didn't mean to criticize any country's use of antibiotics, I just mentioned that I've noted a difference in the prescription practices. The fact is that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming more and more common. I would not like to be the victim of any of them. Here's quite informational an article about it: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsh...
Camilla, I thought it was extremely cool how well you handle that entire situation! In the US, I think parents are made to feel guilty if they don't monitor their child every single movement. My kids have a lot of freedom and a lot of independence, and I know other parents have judged me for that, but I think in the long run this will benefit them because eventually I won't be there to hold their hands for everything they do. Also I don't rush my children to the doctors every time something goes wrong, I think that's another thing we are a little guilty of in the states, TBH it's called helicopter parenting, and I think it's a bit problematic.
Yes, I was happy too to hear that she's doing better. Just because I don't freak out doesn't mean that I don't think about her.Of course! :D
Camilla, I don't feel you judged at all! It's true anyway, not a judgment. :)
Camilla wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I hope your daughter gets better soon Camilla!"Thanks, she is better already, just received a text message from her, she's currently having breakfast (the first meal she's been able ..."
Glad to hear that Camilla! :)
Berit wrote: "Camilla, I thought it was extremely cool how well you handle that entire situation! In the US, I think parents are made to feel guilty if they don't monitor their child every single movement. My ki..."I think there may be a slight difference between the US and Europe in this. Especially where I live (in Finland) we teach children to be independent from quite young an age. Here it's perfectly normal for children to walk/bike home from school unattended, as well as spend time alone at home from the age of seven years. I know this is frowned upon and even illegal in some countries, but that's how we do it. Partly it is due to our country being quite safe; I'm not saying there wouldn't be any dangers here, but in general it's safe to walk around etc.
When I was 17, I went for an Interrail trip around Europe with my friend who was 16. It was the time way before cell phones, so I remember phoning my mon once during the whole month we were away. We met some American girls (I think they had graduated from college) at the youth hostel in Paris, and they were quite amazed that our parents had let us travel around Europe without adult supervision.
My older daughter went to Paris for five days with her friend when she was 16. In August (she's now 18) she going for a week to Greece with a friend. My husband is more of a worrywart, I tend to take things easier.
Tasha wrote: "Camilla, I don't feel you judged at all! It's true anyway, not a judgment. :)"Yes, well, I didn't want anybody to be offended, that's all.
That is really impressive Camilla. I really wish things were like that here in the states. It really sounds wonderful. My husband is so overprotective of my daughter (out of the house) and I was probably a bit smothering in their early years. I have learned (am learning) to back off but it's hard. I really believe that kids need independence and the ability to make their own choices. We do a lot of that with my kids.
Camilla wrote: "Berit wrote: "Camilla, I thought it was extremely cool how well you handle that entire situation! In the US, I think parents are made to feel guilty if they don't monitor their child every single m..."That's how my childhood was. Lot of time with my chums on our own. Home alone from age 7 or 8 for periods of time. It was normal.
But going on trips away from home and neighborhood was another thing. I did go on some trips but always with an organized group with some parental\teacher chaperones.
Antibiotics are prescribed less and less here in the UK too because of MRSA. They used to give them out to people with colds and viruses if they'd had them for a while. I even remember someone telling me that they got some prescribed to take on holiday to Spain with her just in case she picked something up. Crazy! But they are wicked drugs though and I couldn't have been without them when I had a bone infection after my wisdom teeth were removed. That's amazing that from age 7, kids are left home alone. I don't think I was home alone until I was 16 (but I lived with my parents and grandparents and there was always someone home). It's funny as I remember babysitting someone when I was around age 13, so home alone in a strangers house (apart from the kid I was looking after) but couldn't be left alone at home. For some reason I think there is an age limit here in the UK but I might be wrong. I think I remember moaning at my parents that "I am 11 and so I can be left by myself. All my friends are." I think independence from a young age is good and should be encouraged. The residential school trips I went on as a kid were awesome and I still have good memories from them. I wish I had gone to other countries though - that would have been awesome.
I went climbing today for the first time in a few months. My muscles know they've been worked that's for sure. It was fun though.
@Sarah: yes, I'm, thoroughly happy that antibiotics exist, I doubt whether I would have managed my pneumonia in January without them. I'm just worried about the overuse of them. I think there is an age limit in the UK for when you are allowed to leave a child alone at home, I seem to remember somebody telling me about it; maybe 12?
LOL about your muscles! I went for a cycling trip last Sunday, not too long, only 14 km, but I almost died as it was my first time cycling this summer.
I was home alone often as a child, and although I didn’t leave my own completely alone until they were 10 or 11 or so, I definitely expect more communication from them than I was ever responsible for as a child. Before cell phones, like Camilla said, there were times I was away with friends families or sleeping over a few days when my parents wouldn’t hear from me for days or a week.In the summer and when we were camping my mom would feed us breakfast, hand us snacks or lunch and then not expect to hear from us until dinner time.
My children have to text me when they leave one place and then arrive at the next. Cell phones simplify AND complicate lives today.
It is 12 in the US, and I think it's another age to be left alone in a car, maybe 7, But that is because people have left their children and cars and it was hot out, and the outcome was not very good.
Berit wrote: "It is 12 in the US, and I think it's another age to be left alone in a car, maybe 7, But that is because people have left their children and cars and it was hot out, and the outcome was not very good."Yes, even adults have died in their cars because of the heat. Wasn't there a guy who died in his Corvette because he didn't know how to open the car's windows when the electricity wouldn't work? I think I read something like that in the newspaper.
Camilla wrote: "Berit wrote: "It is 12 in the US, and I think it's another age to be left alone in a car, maybe 7, But that is because people have left their children and cars and it was hot out, and the outcome w..."I believe you are correct, Camilla. So sad to read about that :(
Overuse of antibiotics is an issue here in the U.S. especially in ERs. There is an effort to decrease their use, but it still is provider choice. A major problem we have is overuse of ERs for non emergencies. So the providers do tend to be over cautious because they don't know if the person will get the necessary follow up.We know quite a few helicopter moms and when we go to camp outs and activities it is pretty obvious who those kids are. They are the ones who either go buck wild because they have some freedom or whine a lot because they are used to being waited on. I am pretty laid back and some people are surprised because I am a nurse. I want my kids to be able to handle things and figure them out for themselves. We are a little more protective about who my kids go off with or where they go. My husband is a cop and so we unfortunately know too much about the dangers. We have honest conversations with our kids about danger and how to handle things. It is just a balance.
Amanda, that is why my husband is more overprotective than I am...he was a cop and was exposed to lots of things too. But I think for him, he also watches the news everyday and you know how that goes. Every little thing is broadcasted and it makes it feel like it's happening in your backyard. That's one of the reasons I don't watch the news. I think it's one thing to be aware and another to live your life in fear.
Travis of NNY wrote: "After a night of drinking I wake up look at my phone and see a different color audible icon. Apparently it updated when I got in wifi range. I then went to start my book and saw the speed was at ..."I have not updated my iPod to iOS 8.4 yet, Travis. My last Audible update was Version 2.5.3 but I have not noticed any change in the speed settings. I will have to play with one of my Simon Vance books to test it though. I have been listening to almost all of my audible books on Overdrive on my iPod. The only book I have on Audible that I have not listened to is A Prayer for Owen Meany. I just have not wanted to block out the time.
Before cell phones, we had a white board. All of us had a space and we left messages for each other. Where we were going, when we would be back, and a phone number to call if we knew it. All of the important phone numbers were listed on the board. Our motto was normally, "if you do not have permission - don't do it". Most of the time it worked. ;0)
It's going all weird here in Aus too with kids. I used to look after my younger brother from when I was 11 (he was 6) until Mum came home from work after school. We would walk the 2kms home and then hang out at home.During the weekends and holidays we were able to roam with our neighbours all around the place. Our parents set a couple of blocks (which included a park) limit, and if we wanted to go beyond that say to the pine forest, we would have to ask. But otherwise we were within a 1 km of home and would pop in and out of neighbours or our own houses throughout the day. Once I hit high school (so 12), I hung out with my friends all day at the shopping centre or movies or whatever, catching buses all over the place. I just had to be home before dark, or before 6.30 for dinner, whatever came first.
That's incredibly strange now. We went out for coffee with Lexx's sister the other day, and her 5 and 7 year old got bored. She told them to walk home. They had to cross one road at the shops (which we watched) and then could follow a footpath all the way home 2 streets over. The judgement coming from other tables was insane!
My old boss still won't let her 13 year old catch the direct school bus from school home, as she'll be alone for 1 hour at home, and the buses "aren't safe". I just don't understand.
Rusalka wrote: "It's going all weird here in Aus too with kids. I used to look after my younger brother from when I was 11 (he was 6) until Mum came home from work after school. We would walk the 2kms home and the..."Yes, I used to watch my younger brother too. Today is unthinkable...
It would be great if we could return to a simpler time, when we didn't live in so much fear.
Just discovered a new Little Free Library in my neighborhood! That means 4 in our surroundings, 2 of them at walking distance. I love those libraries. Even if I'm not always find something interesting to read in there. I just love the idea and the philosophy behind them.
yes! Sandra I wish we have some here too
That's good, Mariab. Try to have some rest...
I have been away from GR since a while now. Believe me not voluntary at all. But between a full time job, a 10 hr/week part time job, booking and planning an upcoming work/vacation trip and the guilt for not moving forward on my phd writing, GR has taken a backseat. :( I just about am able to read a book a month now which is very sad.I am just dropping by to say that in a week's time I would be off to London to present a paper at a conference there. And would appreciate if you could hit me with some must visit places. Also, anything to do with libraries, bookstores there is most welcome.
My Scotland itinerary has on it so far-
1 day in Glasgow
1 day in Edinburgh
1 day in Isle of Skye
Ride on the Jacobite train (Harry Potter fans, remember this?)
My London itinerary tentatively involves-
London Eye
London Tower
Madame Tussads
Buckingham Palace
River Thames
I wanted to do and see a lot more but I could only get a max 10 days leave. Look forward to any and all tips. Would also appreciate anything to say about the clothing, weather, safety guidelines. Thank you!
Have a great trip, Pragya!! I've never been so can't wait to hear all about it :-)
Definitely, Eilean Donan Castle is a must if you are going to The Isle of Skye. You will pass it at Dornie which is near the bridge to Skye (8 miles away). I love Skye!
Yes have a fabulous time! I've never been, so I can't give you any advice :-(
If you have time Pragya, I would recommend both the London Dungeons and the London Aquarium as places to visit. They are both on the South Bank near the London Eye and are well worth visiting. Each one only takes between 2-3 hours to go round too so you could probably do both in a day. A word of warning, the queues for the London Eye and Madame Tussauds can get very long so it's best to get to them as early as possible or as near to last admissions as possible. If you want to keep the cost down a bit, all museums and galleries are free (apart from the odd exhibition which you do have to pay for). The Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museum, National Gallery, British Museum and Sherlock Holmes Museum are all really good. Bookstore wise, Foyles on Charing Cross Road is brilliant!Edinburgh is a gorgeous city but as you are only there for a day, I would recommend doing a sightseeing bus tour. There are several different routes that you can go on and they take in all the major sights and tourist attractions. If you have time to go in an attraction, Edinburgh Castle is amazing! There are also sightseeing bus tours in London too, all of which are hop-on, hop-off. The one run by the 'Big Bus Company' is particularly good. London also has these tours called 'Duck Tours' which use old military aqua vehicles that were used during the D-Day landings in World War Two and they go round all the major tourist sights and at one point go into the River Thames and travel down on the river for a bit. They are really fun and are a bit different to your average bus tour.
The weather is ok here in England at the moment but I would recommend bringing a few cold/wet weather clothes with you just in case. It might be worth packing an umbrella too if you have one. Our weather is notoriously unpredictable as I'm sure you know! ;) The same goes for the weather in Scotland.
If you travel on the London Underground, make sure you keep your bag closed up and close to you at all times. My mum got her purse stolen on it a few years ago! Also, the carriages at the very front and back of the train tend to be less crowded than those in the middle so if you don't want to be packed in like sardines, head to the very back or front of the train.
I hope you have a fantastic time!
I find it so awesome that members can travel and get great travel advice from each other. How cool is that?! Have a great trip, Pragya. I've never been so can't chime in.
Have a great trip, Pragya! Rest, enjoy and recharge your batteries so you can knock down this PhD dissertation!
Definitely go to the British Museum if you can in London. Go for a wander through Trafalgar Square, St James' Park, Pall Mall, Leicester Square, Covent Gardens, etc. Everything is so close in London, just wander and you stumble on to landmarks and tv sets you recognise, and monopoly places.Edinburgh, wander through the Royal Mile, explore the alleys, go on a ghost tour at night, the Castle is great but besides the view it was small and expensive. But it's so iconic, you kinda have to do it.
Enjoy! I'm so very jealous!
Enjoy Pragya. Tower Bridge is cool to see and that would cover you wanting to see the River Thames. As you've all probably guessed, I love boats, so I would highly recommend a boat trip up the Thames as you'll get to see a different side to London. I love the Natural History Museum. Hyde Park is nice to walk around. A red London open top bus tour would probably be a lot of fun and you'd get to see all the typical tourist spots in a short space of time. I love Camden Town because of its shops, markets, pubs and the canal - it has quite the alternative scene there and is pretty colourful but as you are limited on time, I think the more typical sights would be better prioritised.
Pragya wrote: "I have been away from GR since a while now. Believe me not voluntary at all. But between a full time job, a 10 hr/week part time job, booking and planning an upcoming work/vacation trip and the gui..."All is beautiful in London! My fav city to visit. I wish I could have spent more time there.
You will enjoy for sure!
Safe travels, Pragya.I just got back from five days at Comic Con and I am wiped! I saw and met so many great authors, in addition to all the regular geeky stiff at con. :D
I bet Comic Con was amazing Kandice! I'd love to go to something like that but I'm not sure whether they have anything like that here in the UK.I had a lovely weekend. Mostly sat around along the towpath in the sun, chatting with fellow boaters. We got a bit of work done on the boat, my parents dropped in for a visit and we went for a few drinks at the pub. But now it's raining so that gives me some time to do some tidying, read my book and catch up on GR.
Kandice wrote: "Safe travels, Pragya.I just got back from five days at Comic Con and I am wiped! I saw and met so many great authors, in addition to all the regular geeky stiff at con. :D"
That's amazing about Comic Con Kandice! Did you go to the 'Outlander' panel by any chance? I would have loved to have been able to go to that as I adore the TV show.
Sarah, I don't think there is anything like that here in the UK. I know some shows, such as Doctor Who, have fan conventions occasionally but they are nothing like those that you get elsewhere.
So incredibly jealous, Kandice. Hope you had an amazing time!
Computer got busted this Weekend (fell from a sofa). It was some old, but perfect funtion.I m in mourning :-((((((
@Sarah sounds like you had a great weekend! @Kandice comic con would be so much fun! I bet you had a great time :-)
@Mariab sorry to hear about your computer :( especially since you had it for such a long time :(
My hubby went to DC on Saturday (I was getting over a cold and didn't want to exert myself). I got a good chunk of my book read so Yay!! I feel much better today and I even got back to some exercises..minus a walk for Blake since it is pouring rain here today. We are going to the Eagles concert tonight so that should be fun :)
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways (other topics)The Whole 30: The Official 30-day Guide To Total Health And Food Freedom (other topics)
Fortunately, the Milk (other topics)
Fortunately, the Milk (other topics)
Where the Sidewalk Ends (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Gillian Flynn (other topics)Fiona Wood (other topics)
Jay Feldman (other topics)
Kevin Hearne (other topics)
Cherie Currie (other topics)
LOL, I think my mum worrying instincts are underdeveloped. I knew it wasn't anything serious and that she was taken good care of, so why should I worry? She did lose one evening in Las Vegas, nothing else.
Here they are trying to limit unnecessary antiobiotics use to prevent the spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but I know that in some other countries antibiotics are more easily prescribed.