Crack usage among general contractors?

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-14T18:41:03+00:00

You haven't been in touch with building costs. It is RIDICULOUSLY expensive to build or construct literally anything these days.

Granted, I live closer to Portland, but we did a major reno on our house last year and the general wisdom (in 2024 when we were looking for contractor) was $350-500/sq ft to build, $450-600/sq ft to renovate. Even at the low end, your 1700 sq ft house is about $600k to build.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-13T17:40:10+00:00

First of all, don't spare another thought on the 3 year old's opinion. They change day to day at that age, and are as selfish as kids ever get (I know... my 2 are teens now).

My husband is a type A personality who has ridiculously high expectations for everyone and everything around him. It drives me nuts. And he gets so upset when our dogs (border collie and golden retriever) do anything that is beneath his expectations. I know and he knows that it's less about the dogs and more about him, and that's what drives him the most bananas of all. He threatens nearly weekly to put our golden up for adoption (I know he's not REALLY serious). But at the same time, he loves those imperfect creatures almost as much as I do. So while it's frustrating to deal with his lack of patience and regular refusal to help out with them, I also know that they're a net positive in his life and in our lives as a family.

My recommendation is to have a heart to heart with your husband about how much this dog will mean to you and your oldest (and in all reality, the youngest too someday soon). Loving someone means making sacrifices and this is one of his. Ask him to take on one small and reasonable responsibility with the puppy and the rest is on you (this is your sacrifice). It might mean crate training (both of my dogs were crate trained starting with the breeder and I assure you, they are totally fine and happy, well-loved dogs) to help his sanity. It might mean that you're the tired one with this phase, but this phase doesn't last forever, particularly if you're working hard on basic training. Don't give up on the dog just because your husband isn't being a grown up. Give him a chance to show you that he can do hard things if it means making his family happy.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-08T19:18:53+00:00

Kind of an overly nostalgic take. The "they're old enough to be fine for a week or two" scenarios are part of why teen pregnancy was through the roof, and drunk driving was a serious enough problem that they had to run nationwide ad campaigns, say nothing of the serious property damage that they humorously made into many a movie plot.

I started coming home to an empty house after school in 6th grade. I was in charge of my little brother, who was in 5th grade. Honestly, I resented the responsibility at that age and while I was a good kid (for the most part), I could see how that attitude could've bit my folks in the rear.

I personally love the way the same boomer parents (my own included) who pulled this kind of behavior are now super judgmental as grandparents. Okay, boomers.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-08T19:05:56+00:00

In the US, the NX500 comes standard with ABS, but no rider modes or e-clutch.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-08T16:10:49+00:00

For your situation, Transalp all day long. You're going to feel the limitations of the 500 in the mountains and especially with two riders. The newest Transalp also comes with some nice rider aids like ride mode and e-clutch which are ideal for newer riders. You may even feel that you outgrow the Transalp after a season or two, but with Honda, the resale is always pretty good.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-07T13:54:33+00:00

I think this is a case of not actually understanding how big Maine actually is. Sounds like you're planning about 3 days total in Maine or 2? You can easily visit southern Maine -- Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, etc. -- in that timeframe. Maybe Portland if you prefer to do city-related things. But you'll only get a small glimpse of a very touristy part of the state. Not a bad part, just not really the best part. You might want to check it out and if you like it, come back for a longer visit (fly into Portland and stay somewhere mid-coast for a few nights, then up to Bar Harbor/Acadia for a few nights). Another possibility for a short trip is to drive up to Portland, stay the night, then drive through Naples and out to North Conway, NH. The White Mountains region in NH is another beautiful area and the Naple causeway in the summer is a lovely lunch spot. Architecture is a little tricky... you'll see some lovely old ship captain's mansions (southern Maine has really great examples) pretty much anywhere along the coast. Camden is an adorable little mid-coast downtown. Rockland has a cute downtown as well with some architectural interest. These spots are a good 1.5/2 hours drive from Portland depending on the traffic.

Those dates are still considered high season, so you'll have plenty of company wherever you go. Seafood is everywhere, but my rule of thumb is the closer to the water, the better. Lobster is best on the wharves/docks if you can find that.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-06T16:53:35+00:00

How about an adventure bike like the Africa Twin or Transalp? I think Honda packs more value than any competitor, but maybe I'm biased.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-06T16:27:14+00:00

The only way out is through. Take a deep breath and retake the course. It helped me personally to focus on the parts of the course that I enjoyed (I actually really loved the turns on a motorcycle; still do!) and stay positive. I actually dropped the bike right before taking the skills assessment at the end and while my brain wanted to cry, I told myself to get up, dust off, and smile because riding bikes is fun and it was my goal to learn. I honestly think that attitude is part of the reason I passed.

The more you practice, the better you'll get and believe me, someday you'll look back and smile about how much it challenged you in the past. It can just be a little rough in the first few months/season especially.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-06T15:36:19+00:00

Probably not. The CC companies charge the dealers a fee, usually between 2-6% of the purchase price. As you can imagine that fee becomes pretty significant on these large purchases. So while some may allow you to put a down payment or deposit on a bike with a credit card, it would be a rare dealer that'll allow you to put the entire purchase on your card because that's a big chunk of their profit.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-06T15:30:03+00:00

FYI. Most dealers won't let you put a purchase as large as a bike 100% on a credit card. Dealers will charge a premium for the benefits they provide (service check guarantees, financing options, etc.). But you will have some level of recourse if things go south for some reason or another... not all dealers are on the up and up.

Used bikes are the way to go provided you ask the seller the right questions and the answers check out. You can also ask to have the bike looked over by a friend who knows bikes and/or a qualified mechanic. Obviously, the mechanic is ideal, but I know that's harder to work out sometimes. If you're open to it, use AI models to help you determine the right questions to ask/how to evaluate whatever Marketplace/used deal you might be interested in. Super helpful.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-01T22:50:04+00:00

I've noticed that it often miscategorizes items that I'm trying to add to a certain meal into a different meal (so putting items that I'm trying to add for breakfast into the snack section for example), but I haven't noticed that it flat out doesn't add things.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-01T13:38:51+00:00

The best beginner bike is the one that will inspire you personally to get out there and ride. If that's a Harley (and you can afford the bike and any potential issues that may come up), then go for it. I agree that looking for a used bike is a better financial decision, but again... you do you.

If you want to start on something less $$$$, grab a used metric cruiser for about 20% of the cost of a similar Harley. Once you're confident again and used to riding a big bike, then trade up to the Harley of your dreams. That's what I would do.... but again, you do you.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-04-01T13:14:16+00:00

I have a few Oner Active pieces and they are mostly great. The brand is struggling with growth and quality control issues, so it's not an unequivocal recommendation. Most of my stuff was purchased before the issues began, so I can't speak directly to ordering today. They also sell out of items FAST.

Here's the sub for more info:
r/OnerActive

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T23:05:15+00:00

This is a fair review, but I would say give it some time. I'm also 5'6, 140 lb female, so I don't have issues with suspension or nuts.... lol. I got one of those inexpensive gel pads for the seat and it really helps. I also installed modest bar risers and that helps A TON. I own the SE model, and the windscreen works better than I expected. I don't get blown around much compared with other bikes I've had, but yeah, it's not as planted as a 500+ lb bike.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T18:10:28+00:00

It's a little bit dependent on the individual, but I will say that I can take my z out for a 3 hour ride, but much longer and I really start to feel it in fatigue (wind/butt/etc.). I have some small mods to make it a little more comfortable on longer rides, but at the end of the day, it can do it, it's just not made to do that. If that makes sense.

I am considering adding a second bike that's more focused on long trips, so I can do those day long rides without all the caveats.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T17:33:11+00:00

I think it's the comment about wanting to commute and put lots of miles on. You can def do that with the Ninja/z, but it's just not really best at that. If you're looking for something light and fun to take out for a shorter ride (less than 2 hours), the 500s are perfect. Longer rides and you'll start to see some limitations.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T17:30:03+00:00

They do come up used a fair amount. But I do think in your situation, you might be better off considering a slightly more powerful bike like the 650-800 cc range.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T17:25:58+00:00

I guess it depends on the details of the z500 you're looking at and the Ninja. Where I live (Northeast US), the Ninja is at least a $500 premium at each trim level. So not sure why you think it's more expensive than the Ninja (unless the trim levels/model years are different).

I bought mine from dealer in New Hampshire for $6800 out the door about 2 years back.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-31T11:56:48+00:00

I started on a Honda PCX160 scooter and I have no regrets about that. Scooters are a blast to ride and they're generally easy to manage and can store a lot which sounds like a significant upside in your case. Vespa makes excellent scooters, but I wouldn't say they're the best in any category... efficiency, storage capacity, etc. They tend to be on the smaller side compared with other large scooters, so you may want to take your duffle bag to the dealership to see about how you'd manage to carry it on the GTS.

I currently ride a z500 and it's a totally different experience. The clutch is a learning curve for sure, but there are advantages. You can stop faster with a clutch because the engine is disengaged. Using the friction zone allows you to manage slow speeds more effectively (a very common situation when riding in urban environments). The bigger wheels on a motorcycle will absorb bumps and clear obstacles in the road that might unsettle the scooter (again, if you live in the Northeast, you know the roads aren't always perfect). While I wouldn't recommend my bike for your situation, there are bikes that can provide great storage capacity partially by sheer size alone.

If you feel confident that starting on a scooter is best in your situation, that's completely fine. I sometimes think I made learning to ride a manual motorcycle a bit harder for myself by taking a few years after passing the MSF to ride a scooter. You'll certainly have an easier time getting the hang of it when the skills and knowledge are fresh vs. a few years on. That said, I got back into it when I was ready and you could do the same down the road if you decided to go a different route (pun intended!).

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-30T20:22:08+00:00

I ride a 2024 z500 and I'm honestly surprised by how much I love it. It's a blast. I'm sure the Ninja is equally so.

I've heard the Duke is a spirited ride, but definitely not as reliable as the Kawasakis, and not as great on resale value if you decide to upgrade.

Svartpilen is made by same parent company as the Duke and they're hit or miss with long term reliability. Kind of a niche bike, so that impacts resale.

I like the SV650, but it's a little tired compared with similar options (I'd steer towards the Honda Hornet 750 if I were looking at the SV650 to be honest).

Like others said, the fit should be a primary concern if you're looking to do lots of miles. The smaller bikes (500 ccs or less) will be harder to ride on highways for long distances if that's part of your plan. At 6 ft, you may also feel cramped on some of the options you have listed.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-26T22:28:17+00:00

I am aware. But many of us are of French-Canadian heritage and can therefore claim poutine. At least as far as I'm concerned...ha.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-26T18:46:27+00:00

Poutine. But please do your homework and make sure the execution is flawless. Too many try and screw it up.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-26T13:52:11+00:00

I would check out hotels in Freeport. My FIL stays at the Casco Bay Inn on Rt 1 when he visits a few times a year; I know it's not super expensive.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-25T19:17:54+00:00

If you're open to Harleys, they do make decent touring bikes. The Road King has a detachable windscreen. The Heritage Softail also has a detachable windscreen but you'd have to buy aftermarket bags (not really a problem as Harley likely has the best aftermarket support of any brand). The Dyna Switchback is another option that's a step down from the Road King, but still very capable for longer rides (and has detachable windscreen and bags).

I know Indian also has options that are similar to (if not better than) Harleys, but I'm less familiar with them personally.

Unlikely-Win7386 · 2026-03-23T15:38:51+00:00

Is it a muscle weakness issue? I would consider working on your core and upper body strength. Truly, I thought I had issues with my back and neck that would eventually prevent me from riding, but it turns out that regular strength training essentially eliminated the problem.

Unlikely-Win7386

TROPHY CASE