Just Talking Showing 1,701-1,750 of 3,141

[Loretta]

I don't know about the rest of you but if Doreen did in fact leave our group it was because she was bullied by Nente and no one here has even mentioned that and since I am friends with Doreen, I am very, very upset by this.

[Nell]

I didn't really interpret what Nente said as bullying at all. I read over the comment a couple of times and I'm hardpressed to interpret it as bullying or even mean-spirited.

I don't post super often outside of my own Classics Bingo thread because time is limited for me (but I see I missed a great discussion on Beauty and the Beast, and the new book that was brought up is one I own - it's gorgeous!). I'm hoping to be able to participate more as I finish my Masters, but I admittedly felt a bit awkward reading Doreen's original post because it made me feel as though the amount I CAN participate in the group is somehow questionable or not acceptable.

[Loretta]

Nicole wrote: "I didn't really interpret what Nente said as bullying at all. I read over the comment a couple of times and I'm hardpressed to interpret it as bullying or even mean-spirited.

I don't post super of..."

Have you ever been bullied Nicole? I have and words can be very hurtful. Condemn was an ugly word. She could have been nicer in her delivery.

[Sarah]

I also did not interpret Nente's comment as bullying. I think she was just suggesting that we not judge non-participating members harshly because people join groups for a wide variety of reasons. It is unfortunate that Doreen left, but I don't think Nente's comment was mean-spirited in nature.

[Pink]

Loretta, personally I didn't read Nente's comment at all as bullying. I think it's sometimes hard judging the tone of online comments, as I could interpret both Doreen's comment about lack of posts and Nente's response as harsh, but I read them both as spirited, but friendly conversation! This sort of overreaction or misinterpretation of posts happens every so often (it always does with online platforms) but I really don't think anyone here was being mean or intentionally offensive.

However, since neither Doreen or Nente have commented since, I wouldn't like to answer for them or put words in their mouth. If either of them, or anyonee feels that a conversation has got out of line, beyond a simple explanation or clarification here on the threads, us mods can always be contacted directly.

[Loretta]

Wow. She could have been more tactful and she wasn't. Her feeling were hurt. Does anyone get that? I guess not.

And as far as Doreen commenting, she won't, she quit like Bob said, so there you go.

Still since I obviously stand alone on this one I'll stop commenting too.

[Nell]

Loretta, you're being really confrontational (and a bit rude yourself) in how you're handling this. I have been bullied, to the point of continuing to struggle with eating disorders well into my twenties. I would appreciate if you didn't try to draw people into having to reveal personal aspects of their lives in order to validate their interpretation of a relatively harmless comment.

Regardless, I think this group is impressive in how active its members are, which I think is great! Even when I can't participate in a discussion, I really enjoy reading them. I'm a librarian, so getting to hear others interpretations of a novel can be really valuable when I do reader's advisory!

[Loretta]

Nicole wrote: "Loretta, you're being really confrontational (and a bit rude yourself) in how you're handling this. I have been bullied, to the point of continuing to struggle with eating disorders well into my tw..."

Nichole, I didn't ask you to reveal anything about yourself. You did that to yourself.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

I am sorry to have seen several people have their feelings hurt. And sorry to have Doreen leave the group.

Thank you to those in the group who do comment and make it a great group (IMO). And thank you also to those who are quieter and use the group to find book recommendation and who read the classics.

For me that is what a group is all about -- reading good books with friends. Some of us are quiet and some of us share what we think. All are welcome here.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I’m going to say that what we have been experiencing in the last dozen posts in an example of spirited discussion. I too don’t think anyone has been bullied. But since the first post I do think the conversation has been a little intense. Let’s all take a deep breath and relax, before this escalates to name calling which can’t be allowed. We are a diverse group and a great many of our members are not first language English, yet this is an English language group. Our cultures and mores can also vary widely, what may seem rude to one maybe normal for another. A little patient tolerance by all will go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings. We are adults and not made of glass, criticism can and should be accepted. A certain level of confrontation is not abnormal in discussions of differing opinion. State your objection/opinion in the same manner as a politician. You want to make your point and still be able to ask for their vote.

[Nente]

Loretta, I think you reminded me of one more reason to lurk and not post: and that is, that some people - like me - are not first-language speakers of English and may not express themselves well enough. In this case I used the word which I didn't know had such a strong negative meaning, and it was one word in a pretty long comment which, I still think, was not on the whole personal towards anyone. Obviously I'm sorry it has upset Doreen, and Doreen if you still look in here sometime please excuse it!
As to not posting since, well yes it was a long day and I've still lots to do.

[Loretta]

Nente wrote: "Loretta, I think you reminded me of one more reason to lurk and not post: and that is, that some people - like me - are not first-language speakers of English and may not express themselves well en..."

Nente, I could take your first comment as a negative to me but I won't because this is about Doreen and I will certainly pass on your apology to her and see if she'll come back to our group.

[Sarah]

I think Bob's suggestion to exercise patient tolerance is a good one. In online discussions, when I come across something that seems offensive to me, I first try to ask follow up questions to get clarification from the original commenter and then may explain how and why I interpreted their comment in a certain way. Quite often that person had no malicious intent, but just didn't explain their position fully or clearly enough. Even among native speakers who are similar culturally, there can be misunderstandings of this nature. Given this, I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, even if a comment sounds bad to me personally. We all have moments when aren't as articulate as we would like.

[Lars Martin]

Nente wrote: "Lots of people feel comfortable as "lurkers": they read the others' discussions but are shy of contributing. This group is so large and active that frequently someone has been there before and stat..."

That's a great thought. I've frequently missed a like button; just to acknowledge a post, if nothing more.

[Lars Martin]

Loretta wrote: "I don't know about the rest of you but if Doreen did in fact leave our group it was because she was bullied by Nente and no one here has even mentioned that and since I am friends with Doreen, I am..."

Come on. Bullying? One unfortunate word, and she is accused of being a bully? What about trying to understand the message that is being conveyed instead of getting hung up on one word?

[Lars Martin]

Sarah wrote: "I think Bob's suggestion to exercise patient tolerance is a good one. In online discussions, when I come across something that seems offensive to me, I first try to ask follow up questions to get c..."

Speaking of Nantes idea... where is that like button?

[Lars Martin]

We killed this thread quite effectively, didn't we? Is it about to time to do a revival trick? Raise it from the dead?

How's your day been? Got any plans for the weekend?

I myself always got a lot of plans. I seldom get to do them.

I got quite a young dad. He was 21 when I was born. The funny thing is that he's also quite an old dad as well. I'm 21 years older than my youngest brother (my parents split when I was 12). This doesn't have a lot to do with my weekend plans, but is background information.

My dad just bought my 13 year old brother his first road bike, and if it is one thing I love even more than reading, it's cycling. Both road and XC. So I'm hoping I can take him for a ride. Teach him the essentials. Signals. Exploiting slip stream. How to behave in traffic. You know. The essentials.

I also plan to get a lot of work done. I'm doing this Executive Master of Management program. I'm in my first year and the finals are coming up. I need to get ready. I also need to hand in my term paper: An investment analysis.

Then there is the usual. Cleaning the house, buying groceries, gardening.

How about you? What's your plans?

[Pink]

That sounds like wonderful plans with your brother. I was 13 when my brother was born, so not as big an age difference, but I think it's a different sort of relationship than if we'd grown up as children together.

Today, I'll be dropping my son at work, then doing some usual cleaning and a bit of computer work while my daughter is still in bed. Then if she's around this afternoon I'll spend time with her, otherwise I'll probably be reading! It's a nice spring day here, a bit cold, but nice and sunny, so I might also take a walk along the beach this afternoon.

Oh and since it's the 1st of the month, I'll also be checking the results of polls and setting up new discussion threads for April :)

[Lars Martin]

Good saturday, Pink.
It's definitely a different relationship. I feel more like a dad figure with responsibilities than a carefree brother. It's not a relationship on equal footing, that's for sure.

You've got a son working already? How old is he? What does he do?

A day at the beach sounds wonderful. A bit chilly, but wonderful. An Ed-Sheeran-Castle-on-the-Hill kind of wonderful.

I've got two kids myself. The youngest is still in diapers. Yuck. The oldest turns five tomorrow.

It's supposed to be a nice spring day here as well. But the ground is still wet from yesterday's rain. At least the clouds aren't still dark. I hope the sun will shine through soon but I think it's too much to hope for the sun to dry up the ground.

Thanks for reminding me. I got to keep my eyes open. I hate April's fool.

[Pink]

Yes being an older sibling is more like being a mini parent in some ways. My brother is closer to my children's age than he is to me and I've always looked out for him.

Like you, I have two children, my son is 17, he works part time at a local adventure park while he's finishing his school education and my daughter is 20 and studying at Uni. Thankfully they're both long out of that nappy stage and even past adolescence (mostly!)

Happy birthday for your eldest tomorrow! Are you celebrating in any way? I loved those preschool years, but they seem a long time ago and I wouldn't swap them now!

It's looking pretty grew and overcast right now, so I might delay that afternoon walk (it's 1.30pm right now) and settle down with a book instead. I hope you have a good day and no surprises with April fools, although that's over by midday isn't it? :)

[Nell]

That sounds crazy busy. I have three younger siblings, but the gap between me and the youngest is ten years - I did teach her how to read, though!

No children, though. I have two cats though that are like having toddlers, especially since one has digestive issues.

I'm supposed to be finishing my Master's degree (one week left!) but I really just want to lay on my couch and knit and read. It's snowing here (again) today, and I've been feeling really unhappy and under the weather, so I'm not very motivated. My partner works today so it's just me and the kitties, which is nice.

It will be the first time in ages that I can sort of just have a Saturday to myself! I look forward to babies and then I see plans like Lars' for the weekend and I figure I'm alright in my cramped apartment with minimal responsibilities.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Yesterday being March was cold and very windy (20+ mph winds) for here anyway. Today is April 1st (and no joking) is sunny, warm, and calm. Happy April all! I'll be outside to garden and then to ride a bike!

[Loretta]

Kathy wrote: "Yesterday being March was cold and very windy (20+ mph winds) for here anyway. Today is April 1st (and no joking) is sunny, warm, and calm. Happy April all! I'll be outside to garden and then to ri..."

Sounds like a lovely day Kathy! I can't wait to get back into my garden! Enjoy the day! :)

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Well it will be a small piece of gardening. On Thursday we got a ton of rain so things are still wet, but I can at least plant my onion sets I think.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Just a reminder this link will take you to our Listopia bookshelf, take a few minutes and vote for your favorite books. I'm curious to see what the top ten books will be after a few hundred votes.
Catching Up on the Classics-Listopia

[Loretta]

Bob wrote: "Just a reminder this link will take you to our Listopia bookshelf, take a few minutes and vote for your favorite books. I'm curious to see what the top ten books will be after a few hundred votes. ..."

Thanks Bob! :)

[Renee]

My sister and I are only 10 1/2 months apart so I don't know what it would be like to have a sibling so much younger than I am. She just had another baby last year though, so her first and third are 20 years apart. The oldest feeds her, rocks her, changes her. She's a big help.

My own kids are 13 and 8, both girls and they get along pretty well together. Right now they're all just chilling with some games. It's a beautiful day outside though, so we may find something to do this afternoon.

However you spend it, inside or out, reading or gardening, I hope you all have a wonderful day :)

[Loretta]

I think it's wonderful that a former member got some us chatting! It's been quite nice! I hope it continues! :)

Everyone, have a splendid day! :)

[Lars Martin]

An overcast day is a day well spent with a book, Pink. Nothing's better than spending a lazy Saturday afternoon with a book. A little drizzle and a rustling wind, makes it even better. I'm jealous. Well, almost jealous.

I didn't get to do anything I planned, but at least I got to bring my kids to my dads. They had a great day in his garden. Playing football and jumping on a trampoline. They got all the ice cream they could eat and then some.

We're celebrating at my mom's. Cake. Gifts. Balloons. The works. It'll be tiresome. Both of the kids are tucked in, so now I'm starting to work myself up to it. Just opened a can of beer. Aaah.

It's a time for everything, isn't it. The kids go through different stages. It all got its charm, and all that. But I got to be honest with you. I can't wait 'til they start sleeping through the night and can manage by them self in the morning. It's painful to wake up at 6 in the morning on weekends.

Working at an adventure park at 17 sounds amazing.

You're daughter's at the university? That's good. It's very important to get an education. What is she studying?

I hope you had a good day as well. Hope you got to spend some time with your daughter.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Lars Martin wrote: "An overcast day is a day well spent with a book, Pink. Nothing's better than spending a lazy Saturday afternoon with a book. A little drizzle and rustling wind, makes it even better. I'm jealous. W..."

Don't forget the tea!

[Lars Martin]

Nicole wrote: "That sounds crazy busy. I have three younger siblings, but the gap between me and the youngest is ten years - I did teach her how to read, though!

No children, though. I have two cats though that ..."

If you feel need a change of scenery, Nicole, I'll switch places with you for a week - in a heartbeat! Haha.

[Nell]

I do work 60+ hours a week between three jobs and have been a full-time student as well up until this week - I promise it's less than exciting or relaxing!

[Lars Martin]

Oh, yeah, Kathy. A beverage is important. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a beer. Whatever floats your boat :)

[Lars Martin]

Nicole wrote: "I do work 60+ hours a week between three jobs and have been a full-time student as well up until this week - I promise it's less than exciting or relaxing!"

I'll call in sick that week!

[Pink]

Lars, they sound like wonderful birthday plans. Do you have sons, daughters, or one of each? I used to love having family parties, plenty of food, presents and games, when the kids could be kept easily amused by playing in the garden. I think all ages have their own charm, but getting some sleep back is always a milestone!

My daughter is studying biomedicine, but she's home for the Easter holidays now. She doesn't take after me, as I hated science at school, although I've come to realise I probably hated my teachers and their ability to make me feel inadequate at the subject, more than the topics themselves.

My son finished work early due to rain, so that meant we all got to have dinner together and spend the evening watching mindless Saturday night television.

I hope you enjoyed your beer and relaxation! Good luck with the party tomorrow :)

Kathy, I was going to mention the tea, but I figured you'd know I'd be enjoying a few cups this afternoon!

Nicole, that sounds intense! I hope you get a little more relaxation once you finish your studies, good luck with your last week :)

[Loretta]

Happy Opening Day! Let's go Yankees! :)

[Brina]

Let's go Cubs!!! Ok now I sound like a Yankees fan but I think after all this time I think I'm entitled at least for a few days.

[[deleted user]]

Hello, all! I didn't have any socializing planned, so I was cooped up in my room, ended up reading all-day long other than doing a bit of cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping.

It was raining intermittently until late afternoon, but reading Wuthering Heights while listening to the raindrops hitting the ground was pretty soothing, I found.
Yes! I've just past the 330 pages mark, I've got 100 pages left to go.
Pretty satisfying :)

[Alexw]

To get ready for baseball- no matter who your team is- watch movie clip of James Earl Jones in the Field of Dreams( they will come) and the Natura with Gibson home run in world series.

Lets Play Ball !!

[Brina]

Alex, Field of Dreams is my favorite movie of all time. Shoeless Joe the book is pretty good too. But I have been watching/listening the Cubs win the World Series every day of the offseason and that clip was as magical as any movie.

[Loretta]

Noriko wrote: "Hello, all! I didn't have any socializing planned, so I was cooped up in my room, ended up reading all-day long other than doing a bit of cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping.

It was raining int..."

So glad you're enjoying Wuthering Heights Noriko. I'm sure the rain drops helped with the feel of the book! :)

[Loretta]

Alexw wrote: "To get ready for baseball- no matter who your team is- watch movie clip of James Earl Jones in the Field of Dreams( they will come) and the Natura with Gibson home run in world series.

Lets Play B..."

I love Field of Dreams! I always cry at the end... :(

[Lars Martin]

Pink: I got one of each. A boy and a girl. The girl's the oldest. She had her birthday today. And boy is a party with 9 kids and 20 adults a handful. There is nowhere to hide! I'm glad it's over for this time. Phew. I know I had a beer yesterday, but I think I will grant myself a sip today as well.

Biomedicine. That's impressive.
I'm like you. I wouldn't understand the first thing about it. I hated science in school. Come to think of it, I don't think I ever liked school all that much. I wonder why. I like learning and I'm curious.

Hey. Family dinner on a Saturday. That's nice. I bet there was candy when you guys watched mindless saturday night television.

Kathy: I'm getting that cup of tea now. I'll just clean the drain in the washroom. Then I'll boil some hot water and read The Day of the Triffids. (No beer after all).

[siriusedward]

Here its really hot and humid nowadays.One keeps drinking water... even then you want more...

[Lars Martin]

It's not like Westeros. Winter is leaving. Spring is coming.

The sun is up. The sky is blue. The weather report anticipates temperatures as hot as 16 degrees celcius.

Yesterday I cleaned my road bike. I cleansed the chain and lubricated it. Adjusted the rear derailleur (believe it or not, the front was right). I brought the bike into the living room (it can't stay out at night, poor baby!).

Just before my oldest kid's bed time, I was playing a game. I don't know the name of it. You roll two dices with some symbols of mice, arrows and a food bowl. Depending on what the dices show, you either put mice in the bowl, give it to another player or get a new mouse. In the middle of the game I heard a terrific bang. It sounded almost like a rifle. Then I saw papers flying from the table. The front tyre had exploded! Can you believe it? It was just standing there and the tyre exploded.

Anyway. I changed the inner tube. Filled it with air (105 psi).

I'm happy I did.

The weather is so beautiful today, and we're going to our cabin for the easter. With my bike in perfect condition I can ride my bike there! I can't wait to get started.

How are you spending the easter?

[Pink]

It's definitely a case of Spring is coming here...yesterday I may have sat in the garden listening to Villette on audiobook and now look like a burnt red panda, with big white sunglasses marks!

Today is super foggy outside, but according to the weather app we're due for highs of 22 degrees! How will I cope with the heatwave, we haven't been out of the teens all week and I'm already burnt. Think I need to switch to a higher sun screen factor!

Lars, I haven't heard of that dice game, but it sounds intriguing. I know you had an interruption with your mini explosion, but did you win? What's the aim of the game?

As for that burst tyre, sounds lucky that it randomly exploded while it was just standing there. That could have been nasty if you were out riding it! I hope it's fixed okay so you can make full use of it again. Riding to the cabin for Easter?! That sounds fun! I'm picturing a cabin in the woods, surrounded by wild flowers, maybe a river or lake nearby, a picnic blanket of food, outdoor games for the kids...is this anywhere close?!

I'm now off to make a coffee and let one of my cats out the front door, as he's meowing like his life depended upon it. You'd never think that I have a cat flap, which he's perfectly able to get in and out of when it suits him. No, he likes to play the 'in and out game', seeing how many times he can get somebody to get up and let him out...then back in...then back out...I'm sure anyone with cats will understand!

[Nell]

I have two cats (both with bizarre literary names) and my boy is afraid of the outside world (except what he can see from laying in the front window) but my girl is always very curious about the door when it's opened. They're inside kitties, though, as the streets of Montreal are not always kind to wandering cats (also, because my girl is beautiful and very affectionate and I'm afraid somebody will scoop her).

It's quite a nice day here today (although it looks like it's starting to cloud over) and I wasn't supposed to work but now I am. No reading for me today, beyond what I can squeeze in on my commute and then this evening! What I'm reading doesn't exist in audiobook, so I can't even switch to that so I can get some knitting in tonight. I'm working on a baby blanket and the due date is fast approaching and I'm only halfway done. Whoops!

[Pink]

My 4 cats all go out, though the 2 girls are more cautious, but luckily I live in a relatively quiet residential area.

I've been listening to more of Villette, laying in the garden again today, as it has turned out lovely.

I hope you manage to squeeze some reading around your work and knitting. Whose baby is the blanket for?

[Nell]

I live in a very...questionable...area of Montreal, and Lousha is a ragdoll/Balinese mix with absolutely gorgeous colouring and no sense of caution, so I would probably never see her again, unfortunately. We have a pretty big apartment though, so they have lots of room to play.

That sounds really nice! Are you enjoying Villette more? I think I saw you weren't so sure about it.

I hope so too! I have one(!) assignment left in order to complete my Masters (a descriptive bibliography for three rare books) but I can only do it in the rare books department at school, which means my evening is free! I'll probably watch television and knit for an hour or two and then hop into bed and read. My boss at the archive I work in is (very! whoops!) pregnant, so I'm doing up a white and yellow chevron striped blanket for her. I really put it off though, so now I'm knitting against the biological clock.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

I have a friend whose front bike tire exploded while she was riding -- she ended up in the emergency room. Really awful way to have crash.

I think your mouse game sounds like Feed the Kitty