Reddog2402

This thread highlights why I'm not a big fan of texting. First of all, a text isn't conducive to a proper introduction or "get-to-know each other" exchange. In a moment of weakness some weeks ago, I exchanged texts with a lady. We weren't able to connect, but a few weeks later, on a weekend, I got a random text, including a picture, to see if I was interested/available. Thankfully I saw it right away and was able to delete it, but it could have lead to big problems! So I think it's safe to say that I'll be sticking to PMs, email and phone calls now!

Speaking from experience, I know when I first started in the hobby, I found it very difficult to pick up the phone and call a service provider. Being a bit shy, it often took me a while to build up the courage to take that first step. Once I discovered CERB, it was a lot easier - I could use a PM to make that first contact and have a bit of back-and-forth correspondence with a lady. Sometimes it leads to an encounter, sometimes it doesnt. But it should still be polite and friendly. I'm thinking some of these one-liners might be on the shy side, and unsure what to say or how to open up the lines of communication. "Hi" might be all they can manage with the first contact. That being said, those that send out the "Available? Rate? Location?" texts or PMs simply lack class and respect! It's so easy to read a lady's ad, profile and/or website, find their preferred means of communicating, and touch base accordingly.

I think part of the problem was that they wouldn't say where they had disposed of the cigarrette butts. Given the potential fire risk, they had to land to deal with it. I can only imagine how pissed off I'd be if my vacation was cut short by a day or two by assholes like that!

Love it - great idea! Count me in please!

I always love hearing The Gift, by Garth Brooks. You can listen to it here: http://www.123video.nl/playvideos.asp?MovieID=416453 For a chuckle, I always go fall back on Daddy's Beer, by Dave Gunning. It's a story of Christmas morning from the child's perspective: Daddy stays in bed all Christmas day because he's sad that Santa drank all his beer instead of the mild and cookies! Somehow, it hits close to home for me!

I would TOFTT, but time and budget won't allow it! Hopefully the next time they send a visitor to the East Coast.

Being on the Coast, I'd load up with supplies, and head to the Marina. I'd find a decent-sized sailboat (no need to worry about fuel!), and hit the open water. You could stay on the boat for a long time, and only come ashore in small communities for supply runs. You could even find a private island to wait for things to settle down. Actually, my zombie plan sounds a lot like my retirement plan!

I saw this photo yesterday of the Bounty sinking. It made me very sad. Thanks to the brave servicemen and women who pulled off an amazing rescue of the crew, although the Captain apparently did go down with his ship.

Mini. Sun vacation or Snow vacation?

Tables. Boxers or briefs?

Chicken. Beer or wine?

Half would go to towards a trip - wherever strikes me at the time. Australia, Europe, China, Carribean? Who knows. The other $5k? Walk into a food bank, a homeless shelter, or something similar, and start spreading the love! Like CK pointed out, there are a lot of people out there who are way worse off than me, and they could use some sunshine too.

Not sure. I've tried to reach them this week too, but no luck. I had traded emails with them last week, but couldn't get our schedules to mesh. Tried again on Tuesday (both direct email and through their ad), but never heard back.

Peachy, if I were in your neighbourhood, I'd spend the day walking by you in the hopes that you would!

Personally, I find it puts both of us more at ease if I shower on arrival. On a repeat visit, I can definitely see the potential for this turning into a fun start to the session! Basically, I see it as a simple courtesy on arrival, and a wise way to clean up afterwards before rejoining the real world.

Vanessa beat me to it! Boil some water, and add some honey, spiced rum and lemon. Have a drink before bed and you'll sleep like a baby.

I just finished watching the Walking Dead. Can't wait for Season 3 to start in the fall!

Katie is visiting Halifax this week, and apparently (hopefully!) she plans to return on a regular basis. After contacting her via email, we arranged an afternoon encounter. Arrangements were finalized via text messages the day of the encounter. From the moment the door opened, I knew I was in for a great time - gorgeous, friendly, and welcoming, she immediately put me at ease. We eased into things slowly, just enjoying the moment and each other's company. Katie was relaxed, at ease, and laid-back, and as the encounter progressed, we took our time to explore and tease. I won't go into the details, but I will say this - this young lady left me with a huge smile on my face, and I hope to get to see her again soon! Thank you Katie!

Glad you enjoyed your visit! Hopefully we'll have the chance to meet on your next visit.

I think that's an apt description of YMMV. I have had some memorable encounters where, for whatever the reason, the SP and I "clicked", which made the session so much more than the basic physical encounter. Another hobbyist may not have the same experience because that emotional connection was not there. At the most basic level, an encounter is an interaction between two individuals - if you change one of the individuals, you change the whole encounter.

I think other posters have hit the nail on the head. In my case, visitors and vacations have used up too much of both my time and available funds, which has impacted my hobbying. It does go both ways too - I thought I had an encounter lined up for this morning, but never heard back from the lady with the location. So here I am with cash in my pocket, all cranked up and nowhere to go! I guess I should have called Destiny!

Glad to hear everyone had a great time, and props to all those who played a role in organizing it. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next one!

Well done everyone for pulling this off - I hope you all have a blast! Unfortunately, I couldn't fit it into my schedule, but hopefully this event is a success, and there are others to follow! Cheers to all!

A great thread! I read this story earlier today, and this seems like an appropriate place to share it... http://thechive.com/2012/06/07/the-story-of-julio-diaz-kindness-breeds-kindness-4-photos/

One approach CRA can use, and have used very successfully (for them), in cases where records are lacking and transactions may be difficult to substantiate is what they refer to as a "lifestyle audit". Essentially, they look at your lifestyle and put a price tag on it. When they compare the estimated cost of your lifestyle to your reported income, they then treat the difference as unreported income. I've heard of this approach being used on everything from small construction companies to hot dog vendors. And this approach is VERY difficult to defend. I don't want to scare everyone - your best defence, as others have point out, is to have decent records. Even a log book listing times, dates and durations of appointments would be sufficient to substantiate the reported revenue. If its reasonable, and the end result is that your income is enough to support your lifestyle, they would have no reason to push further.