Would people mind putting a bit more on their profile?

I know a lot of you have user names and prefer to be somewhat anonymous.
But I wonder if we could just enter some basics on our profiles....
Gender and Location...if you are skittish, country would do... Or even continent...
Anything else you feel inclined would be great.

I think we have a great community here, but it would be nice, especially for newbies just to know perhaps a little more.
Also helps when discussing medications etc.
Not if this makes things uncomfortable for you of course. Totally your own prerogative.

Just a thought, and I have lead by example.

I am a bit leary of identity thieves; once bitten, twice shy. I know none of our community would, but we never know who else might be lurking.

Therefore, I try to keep fairly quiet about my gender, and exact age. Also, I use a pseuonym that I only use here and on lolcats, while I have other pseudonyms that I use on other sites.

I have listed a region of my state for location. When I can get a good mule picture, I will put up an avatar; I am working on one in my photo editing program.

Thanks Mule, totally understood. Other than gender I think you have offered plenty.

Pen,

I do appreciate your interest. My feeling is that posting identifying information is comfortable for some folks and that's great. But some of us have had security problems, not related to Ronda's but troublesome none the less. I think we must keep in mind that anyone on the planet who wants to can read on this site. That includes everyone from saints to serial killers.

There was a poster on the old Ronda's site who got into all kinds of trouble with disability because of some of the things she posted. Who would think that the "disability police" would be looking for "proof" online that she did not deserve disability money? They would not have found her if she hadn't used her real name and photo. I think she finally got the matter straightened out to her satisfaction, but she went through a lot of unnecessary and additional migraines just because she was being open and honest about her migraine experience.

It's too bad Ronda's lost her too. She is a fantastic writer and incredibly insightful.

Chris

I think this is being misunderstood. I only meant its nice to know what sex you are and if you are in say England or America.
I wasnt suggesting anyone compromise their safety or privacy. On the old forum I spent quite some time discussing something with a person whom I felt sure was one gender only to find they were the other. Very embarrassing for both of us..
Country wise it just helps with discussions because our medications and names of vary a lot. Newbies can struggle with this.
Even I do....

Please it was only a suggestion. To me who has nothing to "hide", it seemed ok, but I can see it isnt acceptable and that's fine.
Sorry I suggested it...

Pen,

This is the problem with written communication. You only read what is written, not the emotion behind it. I don't think your request is unreasonable. Most of the time you can tell gender but there are occasions when it's rather ambivalent. Although, if you start talking girl issues...well you know who's in the room.

As for location, if you don't want to be specific, region, country or continent (thinking Europe here, it's about the size of the USA). I was a bit confused when I started reading about what the heck folks were talking about with drugs as I hadn't heard of half of them. Not that I'm an expert but it was confusing.

You can even use a double pseudo...I know one member here that has a screen name and signs a name but it isn't their real name (found out in a private message). I think we all respect each others right to privacy - heaven knows there are enough scammers out there that will steal your identity.

Thanks for understanding. I really felt it would help. I dont want to encroach on anyone's privacy.
Just thought. Male. America, and maybe over 45 or something. I wouldnt think anyone could find you on that scant detail, but it could make a difference on here.
Not a popular idea thought I guess....

Pen,

Please don't be offended. What you asked is not unreasonable. It's just that a few of us are very touchy on this issue. You're a great person and I know you only want the best for everyone here.

Chris

crt wrote:Pen,
Please don't be offended. What you asked is not unreasonable. It's just that a few of us are very touchy on this issue. You're a great person and I know you only want the best for everyone here.
Chris

I am not offended Chris, and thank you for the kind comment.

Pen,

I am male, over 60 but I look 50 really, I go by Hal as in "Space Odessy 2001" the computer. I love hunting, fishing, camping, wilderness, sailing, flying (I'm a certified commercial pilot), I am a licensed Amateur (Ham) Radio operator and spend alot of time talking to people all over the world and I love to shoot competition. I am an expert marksman. I love building radio controlled models of airplanes and ships. I am a wonderfull cook. My wife says that I have made her fat with my great recipes. I don't think I have ever forced her to eat anything. I do all of the cooking. Blue is my favorite color, particularly the color of the taxiway lights on an airport.

With all of that said, I have accomplished alot in my life, traveled around the world, but now I suffer from these horrible migraines 24/7. I have had them since I was eight. My first migraine occured when I had a bad case of the flu. I thought that I was going to go blind from the pain. Regardless of the migraines, I served in the military. They didn't believe me before I went in and then wanted to kick me out, but I stuck it out. I now suffer from several physical problems that keep me from working. The migraines, heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis and pinched nerves in my back keep me in constant pain from one problem or another.

I'm a one God, tongue talking, born again, heaven bound believer in the liberated power of Jesus name. Yes, Virginia. There really is a God.

If I put this on the wrong forum, please forgive me, but you asked for it.

Chris, is that your airplane?

Hal

"Open the pod bay doors, Hal."
"Sorry Dave, I can't do that."

I have had them since I was eight. My first migraine occurred when I had a bad case of the flu.

That's interesting. Since you mentioned how much you love wilderness and camping- have you ever checked yourself for Lyme disease or babesiosis?

http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

Risa

Hal wrote:Pen,
I am male, over 60 but I look 50 really, I go by Hal as in "Space Odessy 2001" the computer. I love hunting, fishing, camping, wilderness, sailing, flying (I'm a certified commercial pilot), I am a licensed Amateur (Ham) Radio operator and spend alot of time talking to people all over the world and I love to shoot competition. I am an expert marksman. I love building radio controlled models of airplanes and ships. I am a wonderfull cook. My wife says that I have made her fat with my great recipes. I don't think I have ever forced her to eat anything. I do all of the cooking. Blue is my favorite color, particularly the color of the taxiway lights on an airport.
With all of that said, I have accomplished alot in my life, traveled around the world, but now I suffer from these horrible migraines 24/7. I have had them since I was eight. My first migraine occured when I had a bad case of the flu. I thought that I was going to go blind from the pain. Regardless of the migraines, I served in the military. They didn't believe me before I went in and then wanted to kick me out, but I stuck it out. I now suffer from several physical problems that keep me from working. The migraines, heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis and pinched nerves in my back keep me in constant pain from one problem or another. I'm a one God, tongue talking, born again, heaven bound believer in the liberated power of Jesus name. Yes, Virginia. There really is a God.If I put this on the wrong forum, please forgive me, but you asked for it.Chris, is that your airplane?Hal "Open the pod bay doors, Hal."
"Sorry Dave, I can't do that."

Hal, what a wonderful post. Made me laugh, thank you. I am sure you dont look a day over 45. I know I dont..
This is much more than I was hoping for, but I now feel I know you much better. I hope everyone appreciates your post.
I am impressed you managed to serve in the military with migraines. That must have been really difficult. Did you ever get posted over here? I have had so many good friends from the American military. Used to shop out on the base.Loved the PX and the commissary. Bought my son a load of sports stuff out there many years ago.
I think perhaps you should share some of your recipes on the miscellaneous forum. Sounds good.
Sorry you have so much to endure. I can relate; I have IBS and FMS along with the migraine. But just have to live each day.
Thanks Hal....

Thanks Hal. I'll go next. I am a 59 yr. old female (look much younger like you Hal--only mentioning this so you younger people won't feel like you are talking to an "old" person. I feel 18).
I will get around to a picture eventually.

I work at a large University with one of the top cardiologists in the world. I work with Graduate Admissions but am a personal secretary for this doctor temporarily and will be working on a 22 million dollar research project with him (have done this in the past) if the grant proposal is accepted. It is a great job.

I spend almost every weekend outdoors (with sunglasses). I either spend it on our boat (my boyfriend of 11 years and I have a 26 foot boat which sleeps 4 comfortably and has kitchen and bathroom), or in our cabin on the water (boathouse converted into a cabin) on the Mississippi, or at my RV up north on a lake which I just purchased this fall. Can't wait until summer. We spent a lot of time there this winter snowmobiling and watching football in the lodge. I also love to read and garden--have a pretty impressive garden I think.

I have 5 kids and my boyfriend has 4 so we are busy busy busy. Everyday is an adventure. I just have one left at home who will be off to college next fall and he has 2 in college so we will be empty nesters soon. Can't be soon enough for me. Love my kids and are real close to them (see or talk to them everyday--really fun kids), but I'm ready for the next stage of my life. I want to travel. That is my only regret so far that I haven't accomplished as much as I would like. I love my life (except for the migraines). I am one of the fortunate ones that can abort them most of the time, so I guess I shouldn't complain. I get them 2-3 times a week, so they do play a big part in my life mentally, if not always physically.

I understand those of you that want to remain anonymous, but it is fun to know a little about you guys so I can picture you when we correspond.

~Thanks Linda, It's good to know some more about you too. Us not so very youngs are the first it seems....
Sounds great, the outdoor life. In England that can be difficult.....well the erratic weather doesn't help, but mainly our roads are so congested it can take ages to get anywhere. Be nice to have that available.

P

I'm not shy...I'll go next. I am a 29 year old female and don't look my age either - I get mistaken for still being in high school. Everyone tells me to be glad, but it gets old not being taken seriously... I will change my avatar at some point but I haven't looked so hot for the last while that I really don't want to record that.

I work for a University...it's an administrator type role, but with a few other twists thrown in for good measure. This is what happens when you are in a newly created position - we think you'll be doing x and whatever else we come up with. Not the most thrilling job but it pays the bills and is flexible enough for me to work around with the M episodes. I would rather be doing something related to my Masters degree, but there aren't a lot of call for someone with a degree in Animal Breeding (and no it is not watching animals mate it looks for genetic traits that are passed down and to what degree they are passed down along with some other statistical stuff).

I currently share an apartment with my 2 dogs (Abby and Cindy Lou) and a 21 year old roommate. My life may be rather dull, but her's sure isn't. I do attempt to do everything I can. I've had a horse for almost 17 years and I still putz with him (he's almost 25 but still acts like a 3 year old half the time) when I can...not so much in the winter - I'm a wuss. Abby and I do flyball together. It's a dog sport that involves a team...4 dogs go in relay fashion over four hurdles, retrieve a ball, back over 4 hurdles. Teams go head to head and the start has lights and one person called it doggy drag racing - which is true if you are the start dog. We try to get to a tournament a month and so far I've managed it (there's a lot of barking involved). At away tournaments we do camp as well - 5 dogs in a motel room usually doesn't fly too well. Never having camped growing up, I really do enjoy it. Cindy Lou is my rescue. I had intended for her to do flyball too but it's not in the cards...but she is the sweetest dog and I wouldn't trade her for anything. On the off times, I knit, crochet, cross stitch, sew and bead. I have a few other artsy tricks that can keep me from going batty when confined to the house. I like to read (when I can) and garden - from an apartment this is a fun challenge but I've got all my houseplants going and blooming.

I have a boyfriend who currently lives in another state and seeing each other can be tricky. It's a six hour drive and it's a tough one when I don't know how things are going to be from day to day. We do talk daily on the phone and chat via Facebook. I am active in my church and am a born-again believer. I know there is a reason for the migraines as they are a daily occurrence. The severity depends on the day - on the mild days I get into work, on the bad ones...well I don't leave the couch often. Still hoping for relief soon but trust that it will happen when the timing is right.

I'm open to questions if anyone has them.

I forgot to mention that now that I am semi-retired I have become a research scientist. I do research on the eating habits of certain fish, flight characteriscs of aircraft, the ocean currents, ballistics characteristics of lead projectiles, habits of intelligent mamals living in the wilderness, eletromagnetic radiation, and the propensity of humans to believe in a supreme being.

Hal

You sound like a lot of fun Hal. Wish you were my neighbor.

I'm female. I think most of you know that.

Hal, When you mentioned taxi lights in a previous post, I meant to ask you about it. I mean, no one but pilots and other airplane nuts talk about taxi lights. To answer your question Hal, no that's not my plane. I only wish... I'm really broke and have been for several years now.

Sadly I don't even have a PP license. I was taking lessons, got laid off from my job and had to stop. I am working but I got so far behind financially while I was unemployed that it may be quite a while more before I can go back to lessons. I was really surprised how much I love flying. I wish I had some exposure to flying when I was a child. I imagine my life would have gone in a different direction. But that's OK. I feel fortunate to have discovered it at all. I had no idea how incredible it is.

I might not have ever discovered how much I love it if I hadn't had the extraordinary opportunity of flying on a Coast Guard helicopter (Dolphin HH-65A, a very sweet ride!) for an entire day. The pilot asked me how I liked it. I was so overwhelmed with awe and joy I could hardly speak.

My first flying lesson was the first time I had been in a small prop plane or any prop plane for that matter. On the lesson, when my instructor told me to turn the key, the prop coughed a little and then started, I was hooked forever and always. For now I have to be content with going to air shows when I can, begging rides when I can.

So anyway, I'm a student pilot, a baby pilot with a full fledged flying soul.

Chris

Thanks for sharing that Chris. Actually I had no idea what gender you were but have enjoyed hearing about the planes.
It would be great to get you over here to Duxford one day...never say never eh??