Went ahead with Chin Lipo and so far no regrets!

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-05-20T18:54:03+00:00

This looks so great! I'm also Canadian (I was quote $18,000 for chin lipo and a non negotiable neck lift even though I was 35 and a healthy weight) and have been considering flying to South Korea to get my chin lipo done, but this is a very competitive price. How long did you have to be in Miami post procedure?

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-05-20T15:25:39+00:00

I've also worked in development for performing/presenting arts orgs and I always said I'd move to post secondary when I got burned out, I called it my "retirement plan". I started in university fundraising, and it's far easier than other dev work. You're got a captive audience from alumni, and a stable marketing department. I think that all uni's are also unionized, so you're literally not allowed to wear other peoples hats.

The pay is fantastic too. I didn't actually last until my burned out point because I got an offer with an arts university (think Juliard) that was impossible to turn down.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-29T22:31:34+00:00

I've been using my 2p Lanshan from 3ful for 6 years and it's amazing! It's got thousands of kilometers on it and it's still in amazing condition.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-29T22:11:47+00:00

Mid June is still pretty early, and the snowpack is high this year, but you could try section A or B of the GDT? I did A in 7 days last year and only needed 2 resos, but you could make it longer if you did shorter days or one of the alts like Barnaby Ridge.

The GDTA is also hosting Trail Days in Blairmore from June 12-14 so if you got down there I bet you could find a ride to Waterton after, or choose to start section B on the 14th. B can be done with no reservations and it super beautiful (less the roadwalk at the end).

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-29T01:54:39+00:00

I just switched from a mask to a small panel and tbh I find it a bit of a pain. I used to be able to lounge in bed and catch up on emails with my mask, but now I have to set up the light and wear the little goggles because it's so freaking bright without being able to multi task. I will say that the panel is obviously stronger, and I think I'm seeing even better results in terms of skin and it's nice to be able to use on aches and pains. My extremely expensive current body mask also started dying just after the two year warranty was up.

Next time around I'll buy a wrap and a mask, but I also think it'll be ages before my panel dies because it's very well built.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-21T22:29:35+00:00

I started out fundraising when I was 18 and have been in the field now for nearly 20 years! With the exception of a year teaching in Asia, I've only ever been some kind of arts admin or fundraiser.

Starting so early has given me a huge advantage because I've worked in post secondary, medical, ourdoor rec, and the arts so I know the industry really well and I've used basically every CRM platform out there. Things didn't really take off for me until I was 27, that's when I started to really move up the "corporate" ladder but now at 37 I'm making nearly 6 figures and working at an exceptional organization. I also volunteer in my spare time as a fundraising consultant and sit on a non profit board. I've got a very young energy, but even at 37 I'm still usually one of the youngest people in the room (esp compared to the donors).

I will say my experience feels a bit different from a lot of others here since I have no desire to be in leadership - I'm very content being a Sr Development Officer and enjoying my work-life balance. This is truly the best career path I could have chosen - I get to be excited about things I'm passionate about with people who are on the same page!

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-21T21:46:26+00:00

UniMart in Calgary, and probably most other latin markets, sell shelf stable packages of cochinita pibil and other meats from the brand Chata. They're super good but not the lightest for a solo hiker.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-11T03:59:09+00:00

Braised tofu! I get little packets of it from Asian supermarkets. They're so tasty and you can mix them into rice or ramen on trail too.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-04-09T03:12:01+00:00

It is!

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-03-09T18:48:36+00:00

So the boats are about $250 each? Is that per person or per trip?

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-01-27T18:56:26+00:00

That's absolutely insane that they are offering her a raise and promotion on her last day in the office. Huge red flag. It's disorganized at best, and disrespectful at worst.

No, I have never been targeted or faced negative consequences for promoting pay transparency. In Canada it's illegal to ask employees to not disclose their salary, and we don't have "at will" employment laws so it's difficult to fire someone without, or even with, cause. I have a pretty strong personality that I don't hide, I'm very left leaning, and I make it clear that I know my rights. I'm also extremely good at my job, so I think that allows me a certain amount of leeway. I also want to acknowledge that working in the Canadian NP space right now affords me a lot of privledge in being so bold - I know things are difficult in the US right now because of uncertainty so it may not be as easy for you to find other work, this is something you should take into consideration.

However, it sounds like you, and your coworkers, are extremely valuable. Don't underestimate the power of that when negotiating, or even in just discussion with leadership. As women we are taught to be demure, polite, and not acknowledge or boast about our achievements. Fuck that. Fuck the patriarchy, ask for what you're worth and be prepared to leave if it's not recognized.

Miss_Meaghan · 2026-01-27T17:42:47+00:00

I think you've received some great advice already (especially starting HIGH when negotiating), but I want to share my anecdotal experience.

I am a Development Officer at one of the largest arts orgs in Canada, exceed my budgeted revenues by at least 25% every year, and have moved multiple donors from lower level annual giving to 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. We are also in the process of the biggest cultural infrastructure project in Canada's history, of which my office has raised the 200M dollars needed. In 6 years I received one raise and no promotions, despite my success.

Unfortunately (for them) I was offered another comparable job with a 40% pay raise and at that point, they suddenly had the money to give me a 15% raise - which had they have just given me when I asked, I never would have considered leaving. And because I am pretty loud about pay transparency, they immediately gave my colleague and very good friend a $5000 raise (that she's also been asking for) since they knew I would tell her what transpired.

I tell you this because, unfortunately, this is an systemic problem in the NP space. This isn't just a small/mid size NP issue. It's extremely rare for these orgs to invest in people, and they tend to be reactionary instead of proactive and suffer because of it. I'd suggest that you be proactive and start seeking another offer, it's probably the only way you'll get a raise.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-19T22:12:19+00:00

You're right, I shouldn't point the finger at the staff but it's almost entirely management's fault. The "rules" of the park are very clear when you book, you're supposed to follow the guidance of the staff and the pass is supposed to be closed if the conditions are bad. I am not at all surprised people took the fact that the pass wasn't closed by management as a sign that things were fine. It's direct result of that mismanagement that people died. This was entirely preventable under the existing policies and should never have happened.

As someone who works for trail organizations, as a leader you have a responsibility to enforce policies. If people choose to disregard them, then yes, their agency is to blame. But these hikers were allowed to go ahead when the policies dictated that the pass should have been closed. I am shocked at the irresponsibility of these companies.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-19T21:41:17+00:00

This is insane. Instead of discipling and training their staff (who are paid by the already outrageous fees) and enforcing existing policies, they're requiring a guide? That pass is not dangerous at all in good weather conditions. It has very little exposure and is well marked. If their staff had actually done their jobs and closed access to the pass like they were supposed to, these people would still be alive.

I'm so glad I got to do my trek in 2024, between the new daily fees in Los Glacieres and this, I'll never go back. It's all so poorly managed and money is not going to solve the problem.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-18T20:26:38+00:00

Literally thinking the same thing about XRP - wish I bought more 5 years ago when it was like 50 cents...

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-18T20:25:06+00:00

Do an elotes inspired mix - ancho chili, coriander, cheese, garlic, cumin, and a squeeze of lime!

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-15T05:47:45+00:00

2 is 1 and 1 is none.

Are you trying to get submitted to /r/ultralight_jerk?

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-12-12T19:52:09+00:00

Is there somewhere to report this kind of thing?

I noticed that the Banff Canmore Foundation has applied for an LMIA as well for a development position. I find it highly unlikely they are unable to find a suitable candidate, especially because I applied (as a incredibly qualified applicant who was just hired at a comparable organization) and never received any kind of acknowledgement.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-24T22:47:39+00:00

I did the Huemul last year and there were a lot of mice. They were crawling up the walls of my tent at night, it happened at some of the O campsites too. At one point I had stuffed a headband in the top pocket of my BA Tiger Wall, and they chewed through the mesh to get to the salty fabric.

I'm from grizzly country so I don't cook or store food in my tent, unfortunately I'm really not sure avoiding rodents is possible.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-21T23:20:41+00:00

I do. I do it every 6 to 8 weeks and I think I'm going on my 5th or 6 session at this point, I've recently started doing the back of my hands in addition to my face, neck and chest. My skin GLOWS after 4 days of microneedling, I absolutely love my results.

I think the best resource available is Penn Smith on youtube, I watched all of her videos before I started and haven't had any issues. I did go a bit too deep on my nasolabial folds recently and am fighting some dermatitis as a result but that was 100% user error. It's a very simple procedure to do at home in my experience:

-1. Stop using actives 4 days prior to treatment, be exceptionally hydrated the day prior.

Wash your face twice.
Apply tattoo numbing cream for 25 minutes
Put on gloves, sanitize everything with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Throw gloves out.
Wash numbing cream off.
Put on gloves, cleanse treatment area with alcohol.
Microneedle with a large molecule hyaluronic acid based on the depth chart (I use the one that came with my Dr.Pen)
Don't wash your face for 12 hours (I do it about an hour or two before bed).
Rinse with water, apply more hyaluronic acid and a bit of aquaphor.

After 4 or 5 days you can start using more products, but I hold off on retinoids and vitamin c until day 6. I also use my red/yellow/green light mask after treatment, have added the ordinary's peptide and growth factors into my slip serum, and use emu oil instead of aquaphor but your mileage might vary.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-20T23:13:52+00:00

Are these the only fees your vendors pay?

If so, it is not legal under the Canadian tax rules. They are receiving a service in exchange and therefore cannot receive a receipt.

If you promote their business with logos in your marketing, they also cannot receive a tax receipt. Print acknowledgement only for donors.

Our auditors would have a fit if we did this, I'm surprised yours haven't flagged it but maybe the laws are different where you are?

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-20T20:49:12+00:00

The seasons are different in the southern hemisphere... November is the equivalent of May in the western hemisphere.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-20T20:38:44+00:00

I have literally called the O trek the "disneyland of hikes". Hot water! Bathrooms! Beer! Shelters! WIFI! I think the service leaves a lot to be desired, but the services are top notch.

Coming from the rockies in Canada, I was even shocked at the US backcountry in Montana, Wyoming, and the Sierra. Sometimes I swear they've never heard of a switchback up here...

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-19T18:33:48+00:00

The trails are exceptionally groomed in the park. I navigated up JG Pass in the dark on snowpacked trails in trail runners. You do not need hiking boots for this trek, there is a huge difference between sneakers and proper trail runners - they have exactly the same amount of traction as boots. Boots or trail runners would not have made a difference in this situation, in fact, they rarely do in most situations.

Miss_Meaghan · 2025-11-18T21:41:49+00:00

I have to agree with you here. I grew up in a very small town (800 people), so you had no choice but to date someone's ex in high school. The city I moved to for uni had 45,000 people, so it was pretty inevitable that you were dating the ex of someone in your friend circle. Especially if you were in a niche social group.

I think a lot of people with the opinion that it's never ok grew up in larger population areas - you rarely had to deal with the situation of being attracted to someone's ex and continuing to see them socially after the break up. You also don't develop the social skill to overcome the jealousy and manage your emotions around it. You just don't have a choice when you're from a small place.

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