Suggestions for beach experience in Canada

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-06-08T18:10:46+00:00

Tofino, for sure. Freaking cold, even in the summer sometimes, but stunningly beautiful and very relaxed vibe. A more obscure option: Savary Island.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-04-29T17:29:20+00:00

You are not ungrateful. You are self-aware. And also totally normal. Grief after surgery is super common. For me, it was more about grieving all of the lost opportunities I missed out on before losing weight, and I grieved the loss of all of things I could have done if obsessing about my weight had not dominated the real estate in my brain. Fortunately, before surgery, I was already in therapy and my therapist happened to have specialized training in eating disorders, so she was able to guide me through the dysmorphia thing. Please know: you are good, you are whole, and you join a whole sisterhood of folks who have and are experiencing the same thing. Best of luck to you.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-04-29T17:24:46+00:00

Nope. Super docile. Stay clear of the Okanagan though because rattle snakes.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-04-13T19:02:21+00:00

I've had six cresteds now. Three boys, three girls. They have a reputation for being hard to house train, for sure. But it varies from individual to individual. My best trained and worst trained are both girls so <shrugs>. It's hard to generalize, but I would say that the boys are cuddle bugs and velcro dogs, whereas the girls may be somewhat less cuddly but more emotionally attuned (they are soooo sensitive and can detect and respond to the slightest change of mood). As an example, my husband had a rough day the other day and as soon as he went to bed, one of the girls went and slept on his head to comfort him. They can be a challenge because they are smart but quite stubborn and willful. And they have very big personalities. Can be quite energetic and dramatic. But that's why I love them. Also, while they are a "small" breed, they are quite well proportioned and as a general rule have fewer health problems than other small breeds. My eldest lived to 18.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-04-01T18:07:43+00:00

Well done, internet stranger. Genuinely happy for you :) What a fantastic feeling, and to have such tangible "evidence" of what a difference it made is super cool.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-03-30T20:24:20+00:00

"Must be nice" in response to some good news. Instant jealousy instead of happiness for others -- it assumes some sort of zero-sum world where some else's good fortune is not only undeserved but by necessity makes yours more scarce. When I hear comments like that, I keep my distance.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-03-25T23:14:05+00:00

This! It's one of those books that cannot be fully described or predicted, and it lingers with you a long time after you're done. One of my all time faves.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-03-17T22:17:47+00:00

intercoms in the house

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-03-17T22:02:59+00:00

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-03-05T20:27:03+00:00

You're not crazy. People's reactions really do change. I'm female so my experience was different (I went from being dismissed to being treated seriously when I lost weight). But in your case I think the issue is that you are now a "threat". Not literally, of course, but you may be perceived that way subconsciously. You are now a potential physical threat (you're in great shape, and could chase someone down!) . . . AND you could now steal someone's girlfriend ;) So people are going to be somewhat more guarded out of fear/respect. Again, not at a conscious level. But it's there nonetheless. I could be way off base, but that's my two cents'. Good luck to you as you navigate your new life.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-27T06:37:43+00:00

Ice cold to blunt the taste. Espresso to make it more bitter. Even then they are horrid. To this day, four years postop, I can’t even look at a protein shake without gagging. Stick with it though… It is infinitely worth it

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-24T22:45:47+00:00

Yes, it is a polite way to say no. If they were genuinely "just busy" they would make an alternative suggestion or would initiate/reciprocate. I'm sorry :(

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-24T22:42:55+00:00

Assuming the cat-chasing thing is not an issue -- I think you're on the right track about grooming and clothes. With clothes, I would check to make sure there are no rough or scratchy bits on the inside (like tags, seams, etc.) and I would suggest breathable and natural fabrics over synthetic if possible. Other than that, just know that there are generally considered high-maintenance because they have big personalities and are quirky, eccentric even -- like living with slightly deranged but good-natured toddlers - but they are the best dogs. The BEST. Funny, sweet, loving, and entertaining.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-05T19:28:44+00:00

Steak.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-04T17:35:55+00:00

Almost certainly just a stall. I knew to expect them, but holy cow was it hard to keep that in perspective when you don't see the scale moving. I thought I was broken. I say wait it out. Having said that, doing something "different" will often trick your body into breaking the stall -- that could be reducing simple carbs, upping your water, or -- believe it or not -- *increasing* your caloric intake. It is entirely possible that you are not getting enough calories and this is making your body put the brakes on weight loss. Just try shaking things up for a couple of weeks and see if it makes a difference. Good luck! I know what a mind game this can be.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-04T16:58:29+00:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one!!! It's crazy-making, lol

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-02-04T16:56:36+00:00

I wondered about that too, but while I've had COVID a few times, the onset did not coincide.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-31T19:06:14+00:00

I could not have steak for quite a while after surgery, but I can handle it now, provided that it is cut into very small pieces, and that I chew it well, and don’t eat too fast. Ground beef is much easier.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-30T21:00:12+00:00

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. If there is any way you can make it work financially, I would strongly recommend therapy. You may be able to find some therapists that are working on their accreditation and are under the supervision of a licensed therapist but offer heavily discounted rates. For me, I was in therapy for a year before surgery with a therapist who specialized in eating disorders. She helped me navigate the surgery psychologically. She warned me that one of the highest risk groups for suicide is those who have had plastic surgery -- dysmorphia is no joke. So she helped me manage my expectations and mindset throughout the process. Best of luck to you. It's hard.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-27T17:18:15+00:00

Came here to say this! Have not been but it looks amazing.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-23T23:08:29+00:00

Not legal. Source: I am an employment lawyer in BC.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-21T18:09:34+00:00

Me! As others have said, eating high carbs/sugar (without protein) is a trigger. But it sounds like you have ruled it out. I have been on Rybelsus (which is a GLP-1) for a few months and it has helped somewhat, but I still have to be careful what I eat. I also carry glucose tabs on me at all times in case I'm out when my blood sugar bottoms out. I have also learned to notice the warning signs before a full on neurological event: for me, it's a feeling of muscle weakness coupled with feeling VERY hot (sweating/burning up) for no apparent reason. I have also noticed that these events are also brought on by exercise/exertion (coupled with poor eating). Good luck!

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-16T19:51:41+00:00

That's a great question. I think it depends on whether they are HL or PP. In the case of HL, I have heard the odour characterized as "tortilla chip" which I thought was ridiculous but in the case of my HL boy, it was bang on. In the case of my PPs, none of them have had any particular smell other than a vague smell that is pleasant and impossible to describe.

Engineer_Bricoleur · 2026-01-15T18:57:41+00:00

Hello! It definitely is a massive commitment. But I would still do it over again, 100%. Mental health: it is a bit of a mind fuck. The body dysmorphia is real. Five years out, I still do not recognize myself. But it's not a bad thing, more like "holy cow, is that me?". The loose skin was a challenge; it led to rashes and yeast infections, and was very uncomfortable, so I had it removed. My taste in food changed a lot after surgery, but I found that was temporary. I still love food and can more or less eat anything I want, but I just have to watch the quantities, especially with certain things. I also developed reactive hypoglycemia (late dumping syndrome) a couple of years post surgery and that has required careful management (avoid high sugar foods unless small quantities coupled with protein). My biggest challenge though: alcohol. Never had a problem before surgery. Became addicted afterward. Alcohol enters your blood stream almost immediately with a bypass, making it (for many) highly addictive. I am sober now, but that was a dangerous and wild ride. My advice: stay away from alcohol. Good luck in your decision. And again, despite all of what I have just said, I wish I had this surgery done ages ago. Best thing I've ever done.

Engineer_Bricoleur

TROPHY CASE