M22: Yes, it's terrible. For even very conservative ppl, I reckon that someone who really offered a comprehensive nationally-funded system (as opposed to businesses acting in their own interests to decline coverage to ppl with 'pre-existing conditions'), someone running for President on this single issue would probably be very attractive. (But anyway, this isn't how it was done in Canada; there; the Provinces have comprehensive systems.)

KrissiK: 44? age has very little to do with it now. These days, (great-?)grandmothers, pastor's wives, etc may well turn out to have doubles or triples. If you want it, at whatever age, it's just nice.

I think there are at least two aspects to this. A wedding band tattoo may well prove to be a discreet placement that will persuade someone who is maybe hesitant and a bit reluctant to go for the first ink (which may lead to more, eventually; it so often does). But by it's very nature, a wedding band tattoo must involve two people being of the same mind about it, more or less. So it's not a question of what one person thinks ...

venusmom: Yes, exactly; it's a terrible situation.

PS: Part of the prob. is insurance companies with their 'pre-existing condition' opt-out. Like if a spouse having cancer treatment is being funded by one's spouse's work insurance and then the spouse loses the job, then the cancer treatment is still needed, but the insurance co. would say, no new policy coverage because it's a pre-existing condition. Whereas in Canada it would continue under the relevant Province's health insurance scheme, work or no work, job or no job. But it's hard to expect the private sector to act against its own business interests unless a level of government is there to enforce it. (My two cents', anyway.)

Ottakee: There's really two parts to your Q, I think. Firstly, the symmetry/asymmetry aspect is, in my view, a matter of personal taste, really. But the second aspect: women having 2 or 3 in one or both earlobes is these days so benignly wholesome and almost standard. (One could almost say that the truly radical, avant-garde, cutting edge chic would be to have one single stud in ear lobe: an assertive exercise in minimalism!) So if it's something you'd feel even remotely comfortable with that would be to your liking, I reckon you'll have no problem if you hurry back and get tripled. (Two cents'.)

I think the whole system leaves a lot to be desired, the way ppl can get into such debt, with health costs. Personally, I think the way it's done in Canada could offer some good lessons to the US.

Not sure there is an absolutely correct reply which is the same for everyone. But avoiding dehydration, yes, this is very important.

Spanish is a very useful world language. Often a good way of doing it is to provide a text of a well known book, some of which may already be familiar. (e.g., Bible passages, bilingual magazines.)

I see what you mean. I guess, too, there will always be a difference between the reaction of a friend to someone's improvising, and the reaction of someone who is the music teacher.