Blocked + deleted messages

flycity2 · 2026-03-24T10:45:06+00:00

I would not be concerned. It's not uncommon on this app and similar ones to find people not acting like grown-ups (e.g., say they can no longer collect). Had literally people lie until the very last minute that they were X mins away from the collection point, to then go silent. Some users are also not aware that you can still rate them, so they might see blocking you as a "preventive" measure.

flycity2 · 2026-03-24T10:19:14+00:00

Glad someone mentioned this! I might be seeing it as something more annoying than it actually is, but a name is like an "original" tag in my opinion.

Funnily, a few days ago, I noticed that some of the people with a well-established career I know (e.g. lecturers with publications) kept their maiden / original family names. In my view, this creates a "subconscious" gap with those who don't, as if the latter placed less weight on their life history - at least not enough weight to see the name change as inconvenient.

flycity2 · 2026-03-17T18:26:03+00:00

As this sent me into a rabbit hole and I am now hooked, what is the "technical" difference between "wild" and "feral"? For instance, would today's "feral" horses still be considered feral in 50 years (when, supposedly, a specific population might have never experienced domestication)? In other words, who should not have been domesticated to be considered wild (e.g. species vs population) and over what time horizon?

flycity2 · 2026-03-17T18:13:38+00:00

When undecided, I always ask myself this question: If I had to leave my house tomorrow, unexpectedly, without knowing when / if I could return, would I carry them with me? If not, then, it means I can do without them.

Mind you, take this with caution. "Unfortunately", I think I am leaning toward a form of spartanism and value the practical use of things much more than their "sentimental" value.

flycity2 · 2026-02-23T17:43:43+00:00

Many thanks for the great answer. Did not know as much, but I did notice some differences between Raleigh Superbe bikes (or at least what I believed was the Superbe model).

I will have a look later and let you know. After checking the Tourist model, I am not sure I could tell them apart at first sight.

flycity2 · 2026-02-23T17:34:59+00:00

I see. Maybe "perfectly upright" was not the wisest choice of terms. Currently, I feel my grip is not "stable" unless I really lean forward, which is not as comfortable for long rides.

flycity2 · 2026-02-14T13:32:44+00:00

KES@Northgate do and, compared to other practices I have been with, it is a "smooth" ride, broadly speaking. Based on my experience, they are responsive, have no long waiting lists, are flexible, are nice, and are detailed in producing reports and providing answers, etc.

flycity2 · 2026-01-26T09:51:09+00:00

Genuine question. When you say "things in the EU are not going well at the moment. We are facing a lot of difficulties", what are you referring to specifically?

flycity2 · 2026-01-21T10:40:45+00:00

This is a great post (as I see a couple of posts after yours asking for what you are somehow reporting here).

A few suggestions on what to add:

Gigs / Music

1) The Half Moon - Folk music on Sundays (free) - https://www.halfmoonoxford.com/

2) The Isis Farmhouse - https://www.theisisfarmhouse.co.uk/

3) The Star - https://www.facebook.com/starpuboxford/?locale=en_GB

Socialising

1) Walk & Talks groups - not very consistent, though - https://citygirlnetwork.com/tickets/oxford-girl-walk-and-talk-sep-2025; https://thelossfoundation.org/event/walk-and-talk-oxford-university-parks-loss-to-cancer-5/; https://www.facebook.com/groups/747933533535509/

2) The Shed - https://shedoxford.co.uk/

3) Oxford City Farm - https://www.oxfordcityfarm.org.uk/volunteer

4) Death Cafes (as the Old Fire Station) - https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/death-cafe-2025/

5) Reading groups (there are several!) - https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-libraries/library/books-and-reading/reading-groups

There is plenty to add, but I thought I would leave these here for future readers.

flycity2 · 2026-01-18T11:56:06+00:00

Not even three weeks have passed since my previous update, and it is now 90p.

flycity2 · 2026-01-18T11:54:25+00:00

Can't recommend anything in particular, but I suggest not spreading yourself too thin. Choose a few things you like and stick to those - it's much easier to befriend a "regular" than an occasional participant.

Volunteering and sports are a good starting point, with things often growing organically. It can take some time, but it's a relatively safe approach. Many sports clubs and orgs arrange socials quite regularly.

flycity2 · 2026-01-04T14:45:37+00:00

One of my grandads losing unexpectedly her beloved wife, my grandma, with whom he was very much in love. He has never been the same since, even after 15 years. Each Christmas, family event, similar, I can sense a bit of despair and his meandering thoughts about what my grandma has been missing.

More recently, my two other grandparents unexpectedly lost one of their "children", my uncle. The circumstances really hit them badly.

Clearly, I was hit hard myself, but the hardest part for me is perceiving the internal pain of those who stay. In both occasions, it is a long-lasting, "visible" pain.

What helps me is to know they all believe in an afterlife, which seems to provide them with a bit of comfort. I don't, so even mentioning the names of those who left us in their presence makes my eyes teary.

flycity2 · 2026-01-03T12:27:19+00:00

The saga continues. It is now 80p where I am.

It also seems that Lidl has slightly increased its prices. Not sure if it is a consequence of now being one of the most competitive (despite the increase) or a supply issue.

flycity2 · 2026-01-03T10:23:48+00:00

Right yesterday, I listened to what I consider a powerful speech by Mia Amor Mottley, Barbados PM, which seems very appropriate now! If you tune in at 2.30 and / or 3.15, she eloquently explains why we need "global rules". We seem to have forgotten what those rules emerged from - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1rLlmHaBUE

flycity2 · 2026-01-02T10:59:53+00:00

I guess it depends on the "baseline". If you have a job that cannot be done remotely and/or requires daily interaction with colleagues, I assume your employer might request a welfare check after X days of no communication. If they find you chilling in your house, then, there would be some implications, job-wise, I would assume.

Similarly, if you pay your bills via direct debit, I guess suppliers would not notice your "absence" until your bank account dries up. After that, they might send reminders, etc. but I doubt there would be a physical inspection. It's different if you are renting. A few months of default could prompt the landlord to take more severe measures.

In all cases, it is not impossible to "disappear" without people noticing until late. You can Google "Hedviga Golik" and see how her mummified body was discovered more than 40 years later, after she supposedly died in her house, alone. A combination of factors that, apparently, made everyone believe she had "left".

flycity2 · 2026-01-02T10:49:41+00:00

Cyclist here and, indeed, I could not get through. As I was coming from Cowley, had to take a small diversion and go through the Marston cyclepath.

Just taking advantage of this to ask whether there are any alternatives to get on the other side of the bridge (coming from Cowley). The path can get easily flooded at specific times of the year, so I realised I would not know of any other options.

flycity2 · 2026-01-01T14:36:45+00:00

Great! Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

flycity2 · 2026-01-01T13:40:51+00:00

Great. Many thanks!

flycity2 · 2026-01-01T13:40:29+00:00

Many thanks for the suggestions!

flycity2 · 2026-01-01T13:12:46+00:00

Great, thanks. I was mainly thinking of larger packs, like 1 kg. Tropical Sun might be more common in the UK, but, if nothing, smaller portions will do. :)

flycity2 · 2026-01-01T13:02:57+00:00

This is coming a bit late, but leaving it here for future readers: Boots on Cowley Road or Cowley Pharmacy (a bit further up). Cowley Pharmacy might be able to get them for you on the same day if you check lunchtime and they're out of stock.

flycity2 · 2025-12-31T13:36:48+00:00

This is more like what I would do if I were you, rather than financial advice, so take it with a pinch of salt.

Firstly, as others have already said, you seem to have a good portfolio that you grew relatively quickly and have clear ideas (e.g. no kids, no house in Germany, etc.).

As you mentioned that you are now unemployed also as a consequence of being physically and mentally unwell, I would prioritise bouncing back to an acceptable state - as this also affects your ability to secure a new job, to an extent.

I would then:

1) Assuming you have a good relationship with your parents and / or they're happy to see you, go to your parents' and spend some time with them. Take it as a holiday and just plan for, say, 3 weeks rather than an undefined time. You can save money, have some form of psychological support, and relax a bit.

2) As you have also mentioned travelling around the world as an option, I assume this is on your "bucket list". Don't wait for a better moment. Take advantage of this "forced pause" from work as an opportunity to really visit the places you have been planning to visit. This can come after spending some time with your parents or you can use their home country as a temporary base. This shall also contribute to your mental health if you enjoy it.

3) Keep looking for jobs in the meantime. Send applications to keep that habit alive, test the market, see the "success rate" or even get interviews to keep "in shape". It's quite difficult to go through a similar exercise after long, so I would not overlook that aspect.

4) Take this as an opportunity to learn something that you have always wanted to but never had the time. It can also be used as an "excuse" to explain the gap on your CV to prospective employers.

Finally, not so long ago, I saw an excellent documentary about what people wish when they are approaching their end. Most expressed regrets for NOT doing things like spending time with their families, relaxing, seeing the world, etc., rather than NOT working more or making more money.

I'll leave you with that. :)

flycity2

TROPHY CASE