Rate your current mental health level out of 10

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by Lubicon

I'm at the awkward point where I am not old enough to retire but too old to start over should anything happen. I've watched several of my friends/relatives this age get downsized at work and at this age nobody wants to take you on as a new hire. So personally things have been rough but manageable. But at Christmas by BIL had a mental health crisis which is still ongoing. And it's serious. But my sister lives on the other side of the country and I feel helpless other than being able to talk to her on the phone. In some ways this dwarfs my so called problems and I realize I have things pretty good, but man this is getting harder every day as she gives me the latest updates.

Sorry about all of that, Lube. What is your age bracket? I'm 42 but have conditions that delay my emotional and mental development, so I feel way younger in my head, and fret I am at the beginning of that curve. Throughout my professional career, mentorship has been nearly non-existent... employers expect you to just know what to do and how to do it the entire time, but it somehow ratchets with age. Overeducated, underskilled. Feels like this should be the era where I take younger apprentices under my wing, but I've got nothing mastered to teach! I don't know where these yearnings come from, feels dna level almost.

Other people's issues can definitely help you feel a little better, but don't let that talk you out of taking care of yourself and dismissing your own problems as serious. I also find that there is a certain amount of vicarious stress that gets generated being a support for other people going through things. You might get some ideas on how to treat your own things, but please be cautious about overdoing it here. Really tricky balance to find as I am sure you love them both, and want the best for them. Do what you can.

Originally Posted by WinnipegFan

Winnipeg is a #### hole full of people who look to have given up. The key to surviving it is finding a group of people (they do exist) that are like you. Moving there for work and tolerating the location. I grew up there and highly suggest you explore Westhawk lake. It was my favourite place in Manitoba. In winter, get good winter clothing and don’t expect much from outside. If you like indie music there is a strong scene. Coryson Avenue is nice for a summer walk with great gelato. Good luck, and as ####ty as I remember it you may love it. Either way it won’t taint a strong career move.

Once upon a time I took on a contract to optimize production in a machine shop that made bus parts in Winnipeg. Ended up going back and forth for the better part of a year, staying about a week at a time. Can confirm this was the vibe! Most everyone was interesting in some way, facial piercings seem to be a requirement there (all ages and placements LOL), and kindness was a consistent factor. The weird ass worm season was the most disturbing, but mayfly season stink and bite seasons were noticeable as well. Thanks for the venue tips, I also ran into a bunch of random music nights that surprised me but couldn't get a consistent experience. Good food if you're willing to go to little holes in the wall.

Pizzeria Gusto remains memorable to me, as were walks in the neighbourhoods around it. Lots of huge lots, old trees and interesting architecture to enjoy. The forks were ok but I never seemed to hit it when interesting stuff was happening. Really want to check out the nordic spa one day, I hear it's fantastic.

Originally Posted by Locke

Hell....I wonder why settlers got to Calgary and thought..."Yeah. This seems like a fine place to stop!" It had to have been summer. Had to have been!

I can only fathom that it was because of the rivers and the fact that the Mountains looked like 'Granny wouldn't make it much further' and they just never left.

Totally. I think the fact it was an already established gathering area helped. Paskapoo slope used to be a Bison Run. When they were developing Trinity Hills, they had to stop work due to repeated archeological discoveries. I ran a plumbing company at the time, and our condo neighbours did that sort of archeological site work before construction can proceed. They told me that the artifacts supported evidence of human settlement and activity going back 9,000 years. So, early settlers here probably just hunkered down where the action was already more or less happening. I'm still looking for public records of those reports to read more about it, or if the guy was talking out his butt.

This is woo and not all subscribe to this, but Elders I've done sweats with have also told me that there are special forces at work in the Kananaskis corridor, which is part of what has attracted and kept people in this region for a very long time. Hard to argue with that when you are present there, it really does feel healing, among other things.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Locke

Yeah...and mosquitos and horse-flies the size of hummingbirds!

Winnipeg is either brutally cold or trying to eat you!

I just spent a weekend in Winnipeg for a funeral. It was close to minus 30 the whole time. People there are very resilient and go about their lives.

They seem to be lost in time with franchises that died years ago in Calgary, like Humptys and Mr. Mikes. There is a Dollarama on every block. Rae & Jerry’s was a great steak house.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by troutman

I just spent a weekend in Winnipeg for a funeral. It was close to minus 30 the whole time. People there are very resilient and go about their lives.

They seem to be lost in time with have franchises that died years ago in Calgary, like Humptys and Mr. Mikes. There is a Dollarama on every block. Rae & Jerry’s was a great steak house.

I was amazed to find a Robin's Donuts downtown the last time I was there.

[Erick Estrada]

Positive thoughts people. Winnipeg is great!

[Wormius]

Mr. Mikes is in Calgary. Isn’t it?

[Jiri Hrdina]

I think Airdrie and Cochrane but not Calgary itself

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Wormius

Mr. Mikes is in Calgary. Isn’t it?

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

I think Airdrie and Cochrane but not Calgary itself

I believe Red Deer has one as well.


God Damn they have some odd locations

https://mrmikes.ca/locations/

[KelVarnsen]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I believe Red Deer has one as well.


God Damn they have some odd locations

https://mrmikes.ca/locations/

Not showing the address of the locations is a choice

[photon]

If a town is small enough then everyone will just know where it is!

I'm always suspicious of a place that only opens in small towns, are they so bad they can't compete? Or are they just smarter because they know they can't afford their typical quality when paying to have a place in the big city?

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by troutman

Since Covid I was struggling with the grind and stress of being a lawyer. Last Spring I did some math and made a bold decision.

My sons have left the nest, and I realized I could sell my home in Calgary, pay all my debts, and buy a nice home with cash in a small town.

I entered semi-retirement at age 58. I always wanted to be near the mountains, and found a condo near my favorite fishing in Coleman (Crowsnest Pass). My happiness is now gone from 2-3 to 10! I am outside all the time - nordic and downhill skiing, biking, hiking and flyfishing. Oldtimer hockey. I am volunteering for a couple of boards, and took a part-time job bartending at the Legion. I love it.

I had to give up my radio show, but I am only 2 hours from the City and come back easily to see family and friends. Going back to the City is strange for me now - the crowds and the traffic is almost overwhelming. My place is set up for visitors, and I have enjoyed hosting many friends and family.

My strategy will not work for everyone, but I am blessed to pursue this lifestyle. Getting plenty of sleep and exercise.

Getting out of the rat race has been so good for my health. Happy to answer questions.

Maybe my favorite part of this story is bartending at the Legion.

I have thought of retiring off to a small town as some parts sound very appealing. But I also realize that I like some parts of big city life: close to airports for travel, sporting events, nice restaurants. I waffle on which lifestyle I would enjoy more.

I

[fotze2]

I want to live in Hawaii and buy an AbC store to rent out boogie boards or hell, jerk off tourists if need be. Simple job with no worries, pays the necessities (which it wouldn’t in Hawaii).

[Strange Brew]

You want to jerk off tourists?

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

You want to jerk off tourists?

If it allows me to live in Hawaii with barely any work. It’s the Hawaii wok not the jerk.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

You want to jerk off tourists?

pffffft


you don't

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by fotze2

I want to live in Hawaii and buy an AbC store to rent out boogie boards or hell, jerk off tourists if need be. Simple job with no worries, pays the necessities (which it wouldn’t in Hawaii).

See you in a few weeks!

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

See you in a few weeks!

Like that old joke some coworker told me.

Him - do you think if you ever got too drunk or whatever and woke up with a greasy condom in your butt, would you tell anyone?

Me - that would be weird I’d have think about it.

Him - wanna go camping?

[KelVarnsen]

Well this thread has taken quite the turn

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by KelVarnsen

Well this thread has taken quite the turn

Mental health thread without disturbing humour does not deserve to exist. That’s not how you guys cope?

[KelVarnsen]

The waking up with a condom in your ass feels more like rape then anything. The jerking off tourists is a great idea however.

[missdpuck]

Wow. Shameless hand whores in here.