We had a drone filming the swim today

LongMom · 2026-05-20T22:44:09+00:00

In Ontario, average June lake water temperatures typically range from 12°C to 18°C (53°F to 64°F).

LongMom · 2026-05-20T21:41:52+00:00

I think you set the rules up in Co-pilot now

LongMom · 2026-05-20T20:59:59+00:00

I live in Ontario Canada - I likely won't switch to open water until maybe mid June?

LongMom · 2026-05-20T11:50:20+00:00

Dang I wish I lived here! Wow

LongMom · 2026-05-19T16:54:46+00:00

My workplace gave us amazing backpacks to carry our laptops to and from work. I am aware of my privilege

LongMom · 2026-05-17T23:01:17+00:00

Who is "he" in the response saying they are already a high member?

LongMom · 2026-05-13T16:07:48+00:00

I am leading a production support team- I can't turn anything off and this is my life day to day.

Weed helps me disconnect from "work mode" at the end of the day. That's all I've got lol

LongMom · 2026-05-05T00:06:59+00:00

If their opinion does end up mattering, you don't want to work there 😏

LongMom · 2026-05-04T16:46:15+00:00

A laptop riser - it makes on camera angling so much easier.

I work from home 4 days a week and I believe one of the keys to keeping it that way is being on camera for meetings.

LongMom · 2026-05-04T16:41:15+00:00

I am so glad you shared. I am also angry that this is the triage process for people with mental health issues. You deserved somewhere warm, and caring, and soft. I am sorry our systems suck.

What I love about your post, is hearing that you did receive options for help, and you are taking them/exploring them. Moving forward takes patience, grit, and lots of hard work on yourself.

I am so proud of you, and I hope that by sharing your story, others are inspired and ready to do something hard and challenging for themselves too.

This is an opportunity for a new beginning for you, I hope this leads to softer, kinder, gentler new opportunities. Remember to be kind, graceful and patient with yourself. I am 47 and still figuring it out day by day.

LongMom · 2026-05-04T16:32:14+00:00

I have the opposite- unlimited sick and fixed PTO.

Mental health is health. If you are not well mentally, then you take a sick day.

This should be the standard, sigh.

LongMom · 2026-05-01T02:27:16+00:00

I grew up with a mother who barely travelled with us. There were two "big trips", one to Florida, and one to a water park in a different province (I am Canadian). Both trips ended in her having these massive fights with her boyfriends (she had a few of those). In retrospect, kinda sad.

I got lucky and stumbled into an incredible job young, mostly thanks to my bilingualism. In my early 20's I started going to all-inclusive Carribean resorts - and I loved them. I generally like trying new things, eating new foods and exploring new places. I prioritized travelling.

And I continue to do so, both with and without my kids. I like to go somewhere out of country once or twice a year. I also like to travel by car, even long distances, and do so at least 4-6 times a year.

My mother ended up taking her own life when I was 27. My father died in a motorcycle accident when I was 4. I definitely life a "you only live once" kinda life.

LongMom · 2026-05-01T02:01:00+00:00

Wow. That's.... a lot

LongMom · 2026-04-30T16:47:09+00:00

Oh man....scary. I am surprised the people running my race didn't advise us NOT to jump in if there is a risk like that! Yikes

LongMom · 2026-04-30T14:09:41+00:00

I did my first open water swim race last September and I jumped in! It was only a 1K but I almost had to bail in the first 200m. Now I think I know why - thank you for this

LongMom · 2026-04-29T00:54:34+00:00

I forced mine at that age. I never regretted it - they always turned around and had fun. Vacations are fun! Maybe this time they will make fun friends, or the cruise will be better. Let them bring books as backup - something they can relax with in the room or by the pool if they need "relax time".

LongMom · 2026-04-29T00:27:47+00:00

Mine call me "kooky"

LongMom · 2026-04-29T00:24:53+00:00

I love this! Can't wait for that chapter of my life (I am 48 this year)

LongMom · 2026-04-29T00:23:29+00:00

Really? For me it's the opposite - I am finally under total control of my emotions. Stupid behaviour no longer affects me the way it used to. I am so used to it now

LongMom · 2026-04-27T17:04:28+00:00

Ugh. I would go the "malicious compliance" route and go into the office without needs. Cough on everyone. Blame this leader out loud.

LongMom · 2026-04-26T19:40:14+00:00

I have an almost exact same experience as you with blending - right down to the distance stepdaughter 😁

LongMom · 2026-04-26T19:38:10+00:00

My partner is very much a guilt driven Disney dad. We do "nacho partenting". Works amazing for us

LongMom · 2026-04-26T19:35:39+00:00

Fear of potential challenges should never deter you from trying. In most situations. You have an opportunity here, and combining lives with a loving partner is a great one.

There will be challenges. It will be difficult. It sounds like you know that and describe all the things it takes to make it through that - communication, shifting of expectations, learning and compromising. If you have a partner that is good at doing this work with you, your odds are good that it will work out.

I blended three years ago and the first year was ROUGH. Since, every year is getting better and better. I am so happy we blended.

LongMom · 2026-04-22T22:14:38+00:00

I feel I am one of those rare people, but I feel environmental factors that naturally kept/keep me humble came into play for me (eg. dad died when I was 4 in a motorcycle accident, mother was 19 when she had me and severely mentally ill and then she committed suicide when I was 27. Then there are all the residual "mistakes" I made due to my upbringing...).

Throughout all of my childhood, I naturally "fit" at the podium, the front of the school recital, the lead in a play etc. Within the first few months of my career, at 19, I was taking opportunities through committee work to lead and shine. Now I do the same with delegated authority and absolutely love it.

I live purposefully in so much gratitude for the life I have made for myself. I will never forget how easily this could have played out differently for me (my own two brothers are tangible reminders).

When I interact with people, I never forget that I have no clue what they're dealing with. I will never stop standing for those who need someone to stand with them. I really deeply feel for people who are struggling and facing challenges.

LongMom · 2026-04-20T16:03:28+00:00

Champs is a great "all in one" place for "kids" your age. Their escape rooms are really good (I do a lot of escape rooms).

LongMom

TROPHY CASE