I keep seeing the Wednesday thread and it's confusing me. So here is Thursday's thread.
I had a conversation about volunteering last night that left me unsettled. We were talking about volunteer opportunities for a group of 11-14 year old girls. The other mom was insistent that the girls need to do something that they can SEE the people they are helping. She is really hung up on them working with a local domestic violence shelter, and seemed shocked that any volunteers there have to go through extensive training. I named like 5 different other things they could do, and she shot them all down because they weren't "fun" enough for the girls, or because they didn't involve directly seeing the recipients of their work.
It left me feeling super icky. 1. People utilizing the services of a charity at the worst moments of their life do not need to put themselves on display for the benefit of tween girls. 2. As someone who has coordinated volunteers for nonprofits, often the most helpful work that volunteers can do is not glamorous. It looks like stuffing envelopes, or doing event set up or clean up, or soliciting donations for a raffle.
Everyone wants to pet puppies and say they did something good for the world. Maybe it would benefit the girls to see that often the important work is less glamorous but still vital.
Post by starburst604 on May 9, 2024 9:15:16 GMT -5
I've been meaning to have my car interior cleaned, it's gotten gross with dog hair and kid stuff. Last night DD offered to clean it for me and I have to say she did a great job! She got out the vacuum and used the fur removal tool on the carpets. She really got into the crevices with the vacuum and wiped down the seats. I'm no longer embarrassed to have a passenger!
I got a notification this morning that my ex-FI started following me on IG. Not today Satan, not today.
ETA: our attorneys exchanged the financial statements prepared by me and STBX and I had to laugh at his. He left the entire expenses page blank, because I've always managed the household and finances, so he has zero idea what anything costs us. Even in divorce he completely half-asses every single thing! The good news is I guess he can't/won't dispute what I've listed and we'll just go by my figures I guess.
My dad thinks I should get Paxlovid. I sent a message to my doctor asking what she thought and her PA wrote back that the dr is out sick today, but she made me an appointment for 3:45pm with the NP and I'm like, "Ok, I don't want to come in, I really just want you to tell me I don't have to take it because I'm not high risk." I just don't know that the side effects and chance of rebound are worth it. But maybe that's dumb. Someone tell me what to do, my brain is done thinking this week.
jinkies , hmm she sounds a little ignorant on how the process of volunteering all works. Everyone has opinions I guess, but when I run into someone that truly doesn't know what they are talking about it always makes me feel a little taken aback.
I have an 11 year old Girl Scout and we are making our own bracelets, dog treats, and bandanas (with parental and leader help) and selling them to purchase supplies for an animal shelter. They would love to work with the animals, but that isn't what the shelter needs. When volunteering, it is about the organization.
Post by emilyinchile on May 9, 2024 9:29:16 GMT -5
jinkies team you all the way. This mom sounds pretty immature both in her understanding of what is helpful/how organizations work and in her empathy toward others.
TR I'm sorry you're sick! No actual advice on the Paxlovid situation, although if you're not feeling totally awful I would probably also rather just let it run its course than have to schlep to the doctor's office.
I continue to hate winter and be cold no matter how many layers I wear, and we're only like 2 days into it. But I'm WFH because we still don't have internet in the office, so at least I can bundle up and look forward to going out to lunch with H.
I agree with you, jinkies. There are a number of reasons why it would be important to uphold the dignity and anonymity of people from volunteers. Understanding what the organization does and the general population of who is helped should be enough. There are some volunteering opportunities where there is not the option for anonymity (e.g., food kitchen where meals are being served to those in need), but I think there is still great reward in volunteering where there is no direct contact with the people who are benefitting (e.g., packing food boxes, organizing supplies, etc.).
I got home at 2:30 am today from my work trip to Brazil. In total, I think I was traveling about as long as, or maybe even longer, than I was actually at the work location. It is very remote, so it was a 5-hour drive from the airport to the town which is closest to the work location, and then another 30-minute drive from the town to our work location. I ate or drank something on Monday that upset my stomach, and was awake most of the night with GI issues. (I have been wanting to lose a few pounds, but that was definitely not the way I wanted it to happen!) I think in total from Saturday night (I had an overnight flight) through Monday night, I may have slept 10-12 hours total. (Sunday night I didn't sleep well because there was a slatted window in the room which was open to the outside (and I could not close it, and there was no screen to keep bugs/animals out), so it took forever to fall asleep because I was terrified that spiders/mosquitoes/small animals would get into my room overnight.) Tuesday was a rough workday for sure after being sick all night and barely sleeping. Thankfully, there is a med center at the work location, so the doctor was able to give me an electrolyte drink and also some medication to settle my stomach. My coworkers and I left the work location at 4:30 pm on Tuesday to start the journey home, and so it was an almost 36-hour journey home in total. I already gave my boss (who was also on the trip) a heads-up that I would not be working full days today or tomorrow as I need to recover from travel and the stomach issues.
My dad thinks I should get Paxlovid. I sent a message to my doctor asking what she thought and her PA wrote back that the dr is out sick today, but she made me an appointment for 3:45pm with the NP and I'm like, "Ok, I don't want to come in, I really just want you to tell me I don't have to take it because I'm not high risk." I just don't know that the side effects and chance of rebound are worth it. But maybe that's dumb. Someone tell me what to do, my brain is done thinking this week.
Not a Dr or in the medical field, but I guess I don't see how its worth it. Everyone seems to get side effects and change of rebound is high. So if you aren't high risk, I don't know how much it helps?
(FTR I've never had bad covid, had it twice, but both times was one day of being really sick, then just a cold)
My dad thinks I should get Paxlovid. I sent a message to my doctor asking what she thought and her PA wrote back that the dr is out sick today, but she made me an appointment for 3:45pm with the NP and I'm like, "Ok, I don't want to come in, I really just want you to tell me I don't have to take it because I'm not high risk." I just don't know that the side effects and chance of rebound are worth it. But maybe that's dumb. Someone tell me what to do, my brain is done thinking this week.
I'm going to go with the severity of the symptoms. I had severe body aches for 4 days that was unmanageble with pain meds, so I plan to ask for Paxlovid next time. If it very minor symptoms, then I probably wouldn't get it.
emilyinchile , gerberdaisy - that was my thinking as well. When I had it in 2022, I felt bad (like, rundown with cold symptoms but still able to WFH) for 2ish days and then felt fine and tested negative on day 7. So the side effects and possible rebound don't seem worth testing negative a day or two earlier.
I canceled our original dog sitter, so that's done. Now I just hope the new one works out! I haven't met him yet either so it's kind of a crapshoot. I think I'm going to ask my neighbor to be a backup if something falls through and nobody shows up - at least until I can figure something else out. She is home most of the time and they have 3 dogs, so I know she'd be capable and empathetic if she needed to stop over a few times while I figured it out. We've had great luck with cat sitters here, but this is the first time hiring a dog sitter in 8 years so I've been a little neurotic about it. I'm sure it doesn't help that I literally had a dog die when I was on vacation once (which was NOT the fault of the sitter, my parents) so I have a bit of anxiety over leaving pets behind in general.
I forgot to take my medication (Effexor) yesterday and could definitely tell this morning - I was super tired and felt "off", and I had the weirdest dreams.
I had a 7am flight to get home today and everything was still delayed and I had to rush to my second flight that I only made because it was also delayed.
Post by Leeham Rimes on May 9, 2024 10:06:11 GMT -5
I’m still flying pretty high after I located my client’s missing children. The client had two state investigators looking for them and a mutual friend reached out to us for help. The kids had been gone for over a week with the other parent (who has mental struggles so everyone was very worried. My client was blindsided by this whole thing bc they live together, no pending divorce or custody problems) and within an hour I located them. the client’s attorney filed a bunch of legal things and the kids were returned yesterday to my client.
I’m still patting myself on the back for this one, especially since two state investigators weren’t having any luck and they have way better ways of finding people than I do.
Go me. lol.
But also and certainly most importantly, phew that the kids are safe and sound.
I need ham like water Like breath, like rain I need ham like mercy From Heaven's gate Sometimes ham salad or casserole or ham that’s free range, all natural I need ham
My mental health day yesterday/fuck you day to my employer was lovely.
I slept in, watched the news on the couch in pjs with coffee, did a mental health yoga class, had a smoothie, got a facial and a massage, had a huge delish salad for lunch, bought a Lovsac couch (!!!!), got custard and walked my dogs.
I still feel angry today, but I'm back at work. Womp womp.
My dad thinks I should get Paxlovid. I sent a message to my doctor asking what she thought and her PA wrote back that the dr is out sick today, but she made me an appointment for 3:45pm with the NP and I'm like, "Ok, I don't want to come in, I really just want you to tell me I don't have to take it because I'm not high risk." I just don't know that the side effects and chance of rebound are worth it. But maybe that's dumb. Someone tell me what to do, my brain is done thinking this week.
I think it would depend on how bad your symptoms are. When I got Covid the second time, i actually didn’t feel that bad but I took it bc I was worried since I was so sick the first time I got it. The paxlovid made me so much worse but I had every single side effect that you could possibly have. I gave up on it after a few doses. The worst part was the horrible taste in my mouth. I can’t even describe it. I could barely swallow my own spit it was so bad. But not everyone has that issue and I do tend to have bad side effect from powerful meds. Like, I can’t ever take prescription pain meds bc I get very sick off them.
I need ham like water Like breath, like rain I need ham like mercy From Heaven's gate Sometimes ham salad or casserole or ham that’s free range, all natural I need ham
Post by wanderingback on May 9, 2024 10:29:25 GMT -5
I didn’t even think about/realize that should add my daughter to dental insurance during open enrollment. So now they say I have to wait. I once had a period with no dental insurance for a few months and I had an appointment scheduled and it was $165 out of pocket, not too bad. Well I just called a pediatric dental practice a friend recommended and it’s $435 for the first visit, yikes. I guess I could call around to see if anywhere else is cheaper. We can afford that but it’s no fun paying for these kind of things lol.
Post by litskispeciality on May 9, 2024 10:31:28 GMT -5
jinkies, I'm all for kids/adults volunteering about things they're passionate about, that bring them joy, but to directly say they have to see the benefits? That's really teaching an everyone gets a g-d trophy lesson. So it's not worth it if you personally don't get reward? Does the DV association not get a ton of help from donations, or back office work as mentioned above? Do the local pet shelters in my area not REALLY reap benefits of scout troops and schools collecting boxes of litter, food, toys without every petting a furry friend? Ugh.
starburst604, you should write a book when this is all done. He is something else.
Way to work Leeham Rimes,! I hope things are a little better for your family too.
I didn’t even think about/realize that should add my daughter to dental insurance during open enrollment. So now they say I have to wait. I once had a period with no dental insurance for a few months and I had an appointment scheduled and it was $165 out of pocket, not too bad. Well I just called a pediatric dental practice a friend recommended and it’s $435 for the first visit, yikes. I guess I could call around to see if anywhere else is cheaper. We can afford that but it’s no fun paying for these kind of things lol.
I did a similar thing. It actually didn't occur to me to take DD1 to the dentist until she was like 3 or 4. Oops? It didn't seem like a big deal when I finally took her for that first visit. You could probably wait until next year unless you have a specific concern.
ETA: Also $435 is insanely expensive especially since all they really do with kids that young is count/brush their teeth.
Post by underwaterrhymes on May 9, 2024 10:32:02 GMT -5
TR - I believe they have learned that it’s not Paxlovid that causes the rebound. A return of symptoms is really just the body’s way of fighting the infection.
I’ve taken Paxlovid both times I’ve had it and it made a huge difference for me. I was testing negative within 3 days of starting on both occasions and it significantly lessened my symptoms. It also fights against long COVID.
I won’t lie, though. The aftertaste is horrible. But manageable, especially with cinnamon candy.
ETA - link showing Paxlovid is not the cause for rebound symptoms:
I'll get Paxlovid if/when we get Covid again. My H is 10 years older and took it when we both got it this fall. I definitely struggled longer and got sicker.
Post by starburst604 on May 9, 2024 10:36:04 GMT -5
wanderingback I know we paid OOP for DD’s first visit around 18 months and it was nowhere near that high, that is nuts, even with inflation. Definitely call around. At that age it’s more for getting kids accustomed to seeing the dentist than anything else.
TR - I believe they have learned that it’s not Paxlovid that causes the rebound. A return of symptoms is really just the body’s way of fighting the infection.
I’ve taken Paxlovid both times I’ve had it and it made a huge difference for me. I was testing negative within 3 days of starting on both occasions and it significantly lessened my symptoms. It also fights against long COVID.
I won’t lie, though. The aftertaste is horrible. But manageable, especially with cinnamon candy.
ETA - link showing Paxlovid is not the cause for rebound symptoms:
Same - I used lemon or cinnamon to cover the taste. No rebound. Went to altitude after 48 hours of negative tests and hiked no problem. First time I had Covid I was so so sick and had issues for weeks.
I didn’t even think about/realize that should add my daughter to dental insurance during open enrollment. So now they say I have to wait. I once had a period with no dental insurance for a few months and I had an appointment scheduled and it was $165 out of pocket, not too bad. Well I just called a pediatric dental practice a friend recommended and it’s $435 for the first visit, yikes. I guess I could call around to see if anywhere else is cheaper. We can afford that but it’s no fun paying for these kind of things lol.
Look in to getting her on her own plan for Delta Dental. Back when I was an independent contractor I did that and I remember the website being pretty easy to navigate and I *think* there were short term policies but don’t quote me on that.
Post by litskispeciality on May 9, 2024 10:52:13 GMT -5
My DH mowed the lawn today and that inspired our neighbor to do the same, and weed whack. Another neighbor had their lawn care company already scheduled. I assume I'll hear a symphony of yard work when the rest of the neighborhood gets home from work.
I had a 7am flight to get home today and everything was still delayed and I had to rush to my second flight that I only made because it was also delayed.
Eff delta and the Atlanta airport.
I connected through ATL last night. My Delta flight was originally scheduled for a 10:10 pm departure, and we actually left closer to 11:30 pm. (Although their posted delayed departure time was 10:50, when actually that was when we started boarding.) It could have been worse, I know, but then the flight time was increased because we had to take a longer route to avoid all the thunderstorms in TN & KY. I will say my patience was a bit slim already since I had already been traveling for over 24 hours and I was exhausted.
Post by lavenderblue on May 9, 2024 11:12:17 GMT -5
After dropping 15lbs in April, I have not lost a single ounce in May. I know that weight loss isn't linear, but I'm easily in a large caloric deficit every day so I'm super annoyed with my body. I'm trying to not let it discourage me, my damn it is disappointing to step on the scale every day and see the same exact number.
Post by mcppalmbeach on May 9, 2024 11:24:35 GMT -5
Well I have multiple dumpster fires but I just quit everything to watch Hacks. I love this show so much. It just makes me happy. Last show o felt this way about was Younger so I am so happy it’s back on tv!
ETA - both shows have in common that women of a certain age are reinventing themselves. I feel like that should tell me something.
Post by followyourarrow on May 9, 2024 11:31:30 GMT -5
Finn is a 64 lb labradoodle. He came and sat on me at 4 am this morning, demanding pets. When we got him from a rescue in Oct he wasn't too sure about getting pets, it definitely took him some time to warm up. Just in the last month he's figured out that he can ask for pets and we'll love on him. Now we just need to work on his timing...
Post by mrsukyankee on May 9, 2024 11:38:07 GMT -5
I got very little sleep last night for no reason - just woke up 2 hours earlier and couldn't fall back asleep. Boo. Luckily, it's been an easy counselling day (one DNA and 1 first appointment and 1 who I've worked with for a while).
I offered out seedlings to my neighbours and handed out 5 tomatoes, 5 squash and 4 basil plants. They were very happy. And I'm happy because they would just go to waste otherwise. I'm taking some to work tomorrow in hopes that people will take some more.