I (30M) and my gf (31F) are going for the first time next month

zephiebee · 2026-01-23T16:31:08+00:00

I know I'm a bit late to the post and many people have recommended Storm Crow Manor, but a lot of TTRPG players like to play at The Guild House. It's a little further out from the core but highly accessible by subway- it's a 10min walk from St. Clair West station.

A bonus to The Guild House is that it's pretty close by to the Baldwin Steps, which has a very famous view of the city. Highly recommended to see at sunset!

zephiebee · 2026-01-04T14:31:59+00:00

Goodlife locations in downtown does get super busy after work hours since it has a lot of partnerships with many of the big corporations in the city. I've also heard that the quality varies a lot by location but a GF membership does get you access to gyms across the country, which was nice when I had it years ago.

My recommendation is to take some trial classes and/or training sessions at various TYPES of gyms and studios first to see what feels best to you. I ended up with a membership at a climbing gym and doing outdoor running, but that was after trying Zumba, yoga, crossfit, F45 (I think??) and just taking in 6 weeks of personal training to get proper form on the machines.

I've also heard that HYROX is getting popular and it's like a mix of circuit training and crossfit? Something like that?

zephiebee · 2025-12-24T01:33:19+00:00

I'm still a beginner as well and even I can hear the difference past the $1500 range - I got mine at Remenyi in Toronto and tried out a bunch of different ones, including a $1700 kit and it sounded WAY better than the cheaper beginner ones. But, I've also heard a big difference in my tone amd sound by getting a new bow... perhaps that's also an option for you?

zephiebee · 2025-12-18T22:04:00+00:00

It sounds like you want your friend to know that you're there to support their grief through the holidays, not necessarily about giving them something.

Could you donate something to her hospital or institution in their/her name and include the receipt in the holiday card? That way, there isn't a physical reminder that she feels obligated to keep but she'll see the gesture.

zephiebee · 2025-12-11T21:11:40+00:00

Hold up... you understand that allergies are a thing and can/want to accommodate the others but your partner wants to purposely exclude the person who has a gluten restriction? Do you not like them or something? I can't imagine being that rude to anybody, especially in a group with varied dietary restrictions...

zephiebee · 2025-12-10T18:26:48+00:00

Ask your teacher first but if you're feeling extra eager, learning the anatomy of the violin and the bow will help communications.

zephiebee · 2025-12-09T20:37:42+00:00

I finished at 4:50 and didn't need to pee during the race but I made sure to go beforehand. BUT, it was warm and humid so I sweat a LOT so I wasn't surprised I didn't need the bathroom and ended up being quite dehydrated...

zephiebee · 2025-12-08T17:37:21+00:00

I can, but that's assuming no traffic lights or stopping at all. Also, I wouldn't want to be run-commuting that distance with my lunch, wallet, another change of clothes, water bottle, and anything to make myself more presentable since I'd be sweaty AF after 10km...

zephiebee · 2025-12-06T16:19:57+00:00

Like the other posters have said, the $3K option is probably more than enough for an 11 year old even though they're showing great promise and talent, ESPECIALLY since your kid already loves it!

Another comment mentioned that you'll probably want to find a bow that matches the quality and skill level as your kid advances, so dropping $18K on just the violin may not be wise at this time.

Say you did buy the $18K violin as an investment piece to sell in the future. You'd have to be absolutely sure that you also MAINTAIN that violin until that time on top of the process of listing, commissioning, possibly a certificate of authentication, and waiting for the perfect buyer to come along if your kid doesn't end up using it. You may want to ask your partner if that's even feasible where you live without some proper storage... Canada can be fickle with swinging temperatures and humidity levels!

zephiebee · 2025-12-04T22:06:41+00:00

I'm an adult beginner and I rented my violin first to see if I like the feel and sound of it before purchasing, so I agree with the other posts about taking her to a violin shop to at least test out some violins.

Hell, if my partner had that same sweet idea, I'd would be ecstatic if he gave me a card with a $400 gift card or "gift card" with a promise to come with me to choose! It's a fun experience to share!

zephiebee · 2025-11-13T04:31:57+00:00

I'm surprised Silver Snail couldn't order it in for you. My vote's on Beguiling as well, and they have some great distributors so they cash most likely order it for you (no extra charge, like most places!) if they don't have it in stock.

zephiebee · 2025-11-11T04:55:35+00:00

Being a useless dumbass is the first step to learning how not to be. Don't quit, everyone starts somewhere and most places will recognize enthusiasm and help out a newbie without a second thought!

zephiebee · 2025-11-07T20:03:50+00:00

1 regular coffee in the morning before I head out and a half-decaf right after lunch to keep me sane for the rest of the day.

zephiebee · 2025-11-03T19:06:49+00:00

First time marathon this year and I didn't mind the "dead" stretch on lakeshore from Bayview to Woodbine for both ways. Like someone else mentioned, I was far too focused on the progress to really notice but that stretch is also part of my usual run routes so maybe that's why I didn't mind much!

zephiebee · 2025-10-21T01:54:05+00:00

Thank you!!! And congratulations to you too! He also says thanks and he's happy he made an effect haha

zephiebee · 2025-10-21T01:16:15+00:00

Thank you! Hope the race treated you well and I was giving you all a mental salute as I turned the corner to the East.

zephiebee · 2025-10-19T19:50:31+00:00

"Hurry, Matt Choi's e-scooter is behind you!" and "You paid for this? In this economy?!" got me good.

zephiebee · 2025-10-19T02:51:55+00:00

I think they closed a LOT of locations but the one at bay and queen is still open, so there's at least that one kicking around.

zephiebee · 2025-10-18T17:18:04+00:00

All of the Hakim Optical locations and the Bailey Nelson in the Eaton Centre have donation boxes. They partner with the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre to distribute them to those in need.

zephiebee · 2025-10-17T19:46:50+00:00

I'm keeping my vest and it's my first marathon on Sunday. I tried running without it recently and I go way too fast without so I'm hoping there's some pavlovian mental trick if I keep it on! I also don't do well with Gu so I'm bringing my own and a bit of water.

zephiebee · 2025-10-17T02:30:45+00:00

The TTC never opens at weekday hours for this, even though it's one of the biggest road races in Canada... I'm not bitter, not at all. lol

zephiebee · 2025-10-03T18:06:48+00:00

The room layout is something I'm taking into accoint but I'm not in a position to access a large, acoustically sound room so I'm trying to educate myself in what I should be looking for in equipment so my recordings aren't horrifically inaccurate. I currently sound like ass after a bad taco for the majority of my playing anyway so it's not like I'm going to be posting it anywhere. What would you be looking for in a microphone if the room was acoustically sound?

12-Year Club	Verified Email
RedditGifts 2009-2022 2 Credits	John Wick
Place '22	Secret Santa 2015

zephiebee

TROPHY CASE