Athos

For me personally, that wouldn't be enough. But that's me. It's really a hard one. Phaedrus makes some excellent points. Regardless of what you agree with respect to the child, at the end of the day courts always give primary consideration to "what's in the best interests of the child" rather than what the parties agreed to. Also, you really can't surrender or bargain away parental obligations. So if, for example, down the road she wanted child support and you had agreed there would be none, you still might be obligated to pay. (I realize that's not your concern and that you want to support them) But similarly, if you agreed to have nothing to do with the children but you changed your mind later on, you'd still likely have rights to see them ... and the 2 visits a year might not be binding at all. So getting some legal advice is definitely a good idea. The thing about agreements in difficult personal situations, is that they work only so long as everyone is prepared to live with them. Once that goes, then all bets are off. I really wish you luck with this choice though. It could be a real life changer. Porthos

She's better off with you being the supportive, if distant father, than going to a sperm bank and being on her own. I don't necessarily mean to sound cold or calculating, but the financial aspects of raising a child are not inconsiderable. So your offer sounds very fair and generous. She wants to do this, and if you're willing and able to provide her with both the child and financial security, then it's a win win situation. My only hesitation would be to ask if you are prepared to comply with her demands ... i.e. that for the most part you be uninvolved in the child's life. That would kill me. Porthos

Long weekend ... spending most of it in front of the computer working. But the pies are made and tomorrow there will be a feast. Additional Comments: @Emma ... yes, indeed, Pumpkin pies, and a peach pie as well just for something different. These are things that don't suck. Porthos

I still get nervous and excited. The night before I usually have trouble sleeping, and the day of I'm distracted and unfocused: counting down the moments until the encounter. Afterwards I spend the rest of the day in blissful ignorance of everything around me and a silly grin on my face! Porthos

I think there are real variations in the way different regional sections of the board operate. I've noticed in the past, in a number of sections, posts that are asking for "opinions" about specific girls. Often, the discussion section seems to operate almost like a "review" section. People don't post overtly negative comments, but they sometimes will say things like "stay away from her" or "I wouldn't see her" followed by a "pm me for details". At the same time, some of the regional sections have very few actual recommendations. This is just a casual observation, but I think it does have some importance for this discussion. The question of "best" invites comparisons and potentially blurs into a "review" type assessment. In part, I think those that commented were reflecting their own disquiet with the framing of the question, and it's potential to run counter to the ethos of the board. It strikes me that had this discussion happened in the general discussion forum, we'd all be fine with it. I also understand the OPs "reaction" to outsiders ... I lived in Winnipeg for a long time myself. But the board isn't structured that way and the reaction was over the top. In many sections we find discussions about the hobby, how hobbyists should conduct themselves, etc., etc. Not just in the general discussion section. I've always felt quite comfortable participating in those discussions. I've commented in the Ottawa section, winnipeg section, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia sections. Don't live in any of those places. I still go back and drop in on the NL section, even though I live in Southern Ontario now. So I think there are a lot of things going on in the thread that was closed. I don't think it was anyone's intention to impose a form of political correctness. Rather, it was to try and highlight that the way the thread was framed might upset people (particularly ladies or even other hobbyists). Had the OP not overreacted, I suspect the thread might still be going on and discussion going forward. Just a bit of ramble as my pumpkin pies are baking. Porthos

I must confess to not having paid too much attention to this issue, but I don't see the thread being closed as really having much to do with the question of whether it was about the "best" SP in Winnipeg. I also don't see it as being about political correctness. It seems to me it had to do with the tenor of the posts, which were becoming rather rude and disrespectful. Essentially, a fight was developing, and the MOD decided to shut it down. Correct decision in my opinion. The fact that the OP, who was the primary bad actor in terms of disrespectful discourse, has been suspended would seem to confirm that.

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the bounty of life! Porthos

I've remained good friends with several ladies after they've retired. But I do agree with RG's observation regarding these sorts of friendships having a shorter lifespan. They are, it seems to me, somewhat more plagued by the tendency to drift apart that characterizes all friendships to greater or lesser degrees. For me, as a married guy, staying friends requires almost as much effort as arranging a rendezvous, but without the sexual element. That's not to say it isn't worth it, because in some instances it certainly is. but it does make these friendships a bit harder to sustain.

Salmon or trout are probably easiest. And you really don't need to go to much trouble. Put a fillet on the grill pan for a few minutes on each side, and it will go seamlessly with just about everything on a Thanksgiving table. Porthos

i rarely drink a lot at strip clubs. Maybe 2 beers over a whole evening ... but as Whiteman says, it doesn't stop me from spending too much money! I have no will power whatsoever Porthos

I've enjoyed serval duos, and the experience is quite different. I'm at a pointbwhere, in general, I tend to prefer 1 on 1, for the greater intimacy it affords. Maybe I also don't share very well. That's not to say that duos can't be incredible, and I'm considering going exploring that experience again. For me, if I'm thinking of a duo I'd prefer to have seen each lady individually and have a rapport with each. It's also best if they genuinely have a rapport with each other. Then there is still thevpossibility of chatting and getting comfortable sharing some wine, and generally most of the things that go with a 1 on 1 GFE. In my experience duos are best savoured over a longer period of time, but of course that also makes it a costlier experience. If you try to cram too much into a short period of time, you can end up disappointed.

ahhh ... from childhood ... ker plunk and tip it! Again, not really board games. I also like chinese checkers, backgammon, crokinole, and scrabble.

Sore throat here ... On it's current trajectory it should develop into something really unpleasant in time to ruin the weekend

Tell her you're unsure and you want to learn!!! You'll be in for the time of your life!!!

I agree ... Fish is best prepared simply. Grilled, steamed, or pan-fried. I'm a huge fan of pan-fried cod. Just dredge it in some seasoned flour and fry in extra virgin olive oil. Having said that ... Fish pie and fish stew can be simply awesome!

More of a card game person. Euchre and cribbage ... Although cribbage does use a board, so maybe it counts.

Those that have read the Walking Dead graphic novels will know that some pretty awesome stuff awaits!!!! Porthos

Can't say the vid does that much for me, but now I'm thinking about breakfast dates with Gabriella and am totally turned on!!

I think you are absolutely right. One of the most interesting things about growing older is seeing how you change, yet remain the same. Which elements of who you remain constant, and which parts evolve, change, develop. Generally, I know that in some respects I've changed a lot. I'm certainly better prepared to take on some challenges and tasks now than I was 10 years ago. I'm also more aware of some of my less desireable personality traits and able to compensate for them. In many respects though, I remain the same. What's really neat is seeing my kids grow up and witnessing some of my personality traits reflected back in them. People say my son has many of the same traits as I do, including the same sense of humor and speech mannerisms. It's a bit humbling!

Most of my life I've tended to largely ignore birthdays. After all, you're only one day older than you were yesterday. So if 29 and 364 days wasn't bothering you, why should the next day when we "call" ourselves 30. Well, that held true for me until this year when I turned 50. For whatever reason it bothered me more. I think it was the realization that I'm now well past the half way point of my life, which does produce some introspection. Elderly family members in poor health and nearing death hasn't helped. At the end of the day, I've resolved to worry less, enjoy life more, and take the time for things that are important. And by important, I mean as defined by me, rather than defined by others. So everyday is a birthday, and enjoy it to the max. Porthos

Playing with toys, I've recently discovered, is quite incredible!