Wednesday Randoms

[midwestmama]

I got a lot of unexpected positive feedback from two colleagues today on an email I sent yesterday, so I'm saving it to use again in the future if a similar question comes up!

I'm sorry for everyone who is struggling today/this week/recently. I wish companies would do better for short-term paid leaves of absence for general health & wellbeing. I would love a paid leave of absence (2 weeks? 1 month?) for my own general health & wellbeing after all of the maternity leaves I've participated in covering for the last 4.5 years as well as various work craziness from projects and endless reorgs.

[jinkies]

I almost started a confessions thread with this, but I'm just going to drop it here instead:

For basically my entire life, I thought that Stay Puft marshmallows were a real brand that had, like, paid for product placement in Ghostbusters.

I just learned a couple months ago that it's always been a fictional company, and I'm having trouble reconciling this.

It's been a life changing revelation for me. Thoughts and prayers as I adjust to this new world before me.

(Thought of it today because I saw a halloween promotion that referenced ghostbusters)

[bex1973]

jinkies, huh. I thought the same!

[Vespasia]

Damn jinkies, you were not alone.

I'm blaming the fact that I was 5 when it came out but still!

[beerlover]

Sept 18, 2024 10:22:33 GMT -5 lpcats said:

Sept 18, 2024 9:33:29 GMT -5 beerlover said:

My mental health is in the fucking toilet right now.

As I posted yesterday, both my cats have fleas. I tried a spray treatment last night (was waiting on the oral treatment I ordered from Amazon to get here) and it most certainly didn't work. I decided I'm not fucking around so I just called the vets of both cats this morning (long story short, they have different vets because I never switched the new one over to mine yet). I'm picking up an Rx for one cat as soon as I can get a break from work and the other cat is being seen tomorrow (she has shots due anyway so I had to do a visit).

In the meantime, what can I do? Is there really a point to cleaning the entire house and washing all the bedding if I can't treat both cats until tomorrow? I did already start washing the bedding before thinking of this so I guess I'll be doing it multiple times.

I keep finding them on my ankles and I feel like the most disgusting human being ever. I feel very out of control and keep bursting into tears because this is gross. I seriously feel like I might be going crazy.

Anecdotal story: years ago we got fleas in our fully carpeted apartment with 4 cats.  We were sure we'd have to move out and flea bomb it.  We didn't want to do that so we treated all 4 cats (with Revolution, I think), bathed them all as often as we could with Dawn dish soap (I know, easier said than done), and stayed on top of the laundry and vacuuming.  Once the cats are treated, they become walking poison for new fleas.  Any fleas that are newly hatched or are not currently residing on the cats will be attracted to the cats, bite the cats, and then die off.  It takes some of the pressure off worrying about killing all the eggs and the wandering fleas.  I unfortunately can't remember how long it took to take care of the fleas but we were successful without having to do anything too drastic.

Thank you for giving me a little hope. Revolution is what we're getting. Should I try to bathe both cats before starting it?

IDK what to do about my bedding currently in the wash. If I put it back on and see more fleas later I'll lose my mind.

Is there something I can put on MYSELF to make them less attractive? They seem to like my lower legs OMG I feel so gross.

[wildrice]

beerlover, I'm so sorry! I would think regular bug spray would help you? Also, is there a way to confine the cats to certain places in your house to stop the spread of any remaining fleas - like don't let them in the bedroom if you don't want to deal with fleas there anymore. It may take a few days (or more? IDK) for the fleas to die off totally, but if you clean a room well and then keep the cats out of it they shouldn't end up in there again, I think they generally have to travel with a pet to get very far.

I haven't had fleas in the house since around 2007 so I'm sure whatever I did then has changed, but I do know they eventually weren't a problem anymore and I haven't dealt with them since! Definitely start using a preventative once this is taken care of, and you'll probably never see them again.

[wildrice]

Has anyone seen &Juliet? It's coming here next week and I'm supposed to usher at some point, but it's a busy week for me personally and I'm considering skipping it. I don't want to miss it if it's OMG awesome, though. I tend to not be as big of a fan of jukebox musicals (like I was very meh on Six and Moulin Rouge) so I am leaning toward being ok skipping it. I may also just keep watching to see if a Sunday afternoon spot opens up because if I can do it then, it's not as much of a scheduling challenge as the rest of the week.

I've been in the office all week so far and I'm so tired. I'm annoyed that I have a derm appointment first thing tomorrow morning so I have to get up and go out of the house yet again. At least I'll be home by 10:30ish and won't have to leave again, but I'm dying to sleep in a little.

[candreco]

Sept 18, 2024 11:23:10 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Has anyone seen &Juliet? It's coming here next week and I'm supposed to usher at some point, but it's a busy week for me personally and I'm considering skipping it. I don't want to miss it if it's OMG awesome, though. I tend to not be as big of a fan of jukebox musicals (like I was very meh on Six and Moulin Rouge) so I am leaning toward being ok skipping it. I may also just keep watching to see if a Sunday afternoon spot opens up because if I can do it then, it's not as much of a scheduling challenge as the rest of the week.

DD and I saw it in NYC last fall and LOVED it. I've already bought tickets for our family when it comes to the Kennedy Center over winter break as DD's big Christmas present. I personally loved the music (very nostalgic for me but also very clever use of songs for the story), and the story itself was a lot better than most jukebox musicals IMO.

[sonrisa]

What is the cheapest water craft thing out there? We will be moving within walking distance of water (bay water, so no waves to surf/boodie board) and the kids want a paddle board or kayak. Both are expensive so I'm looking for something on the cheaper side.

[jinkies]

Sept 18, 2024 11:33:24 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

What is the cheapest water craft thing out there? We will be moving within walking distance of water (bay water, so no waves to surf/boodie board) and the kids want a paddle board or kayak. Both are expensive so I'm looking for something on the cheaper side.

I would look on facebook marketplace for a used one. If you are that close to the water, you may also find an in-person store that sells used ones and/or sells off their rental stock.

They do make pretty inexpensive inflatable kayaks-- we have one but it was super cumbersome to inflate and we only used it once. It could work for you though if you can inflate at home with an air tank and just carry it to the water.

[maudefindlay]

sonrisa maybe check out FB market place. That's what we did for our family vacation home that's on the ocean. Got 2 good condition kayaks at great prices. Good option to try till you know how often you will use them.

Eta Jinx jinkies

[sonrisa]

Sept 18, 2024 11:46:59 GMT -5 jinkies said:

Sept 18, 2024 11:33:24 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

What is the cheapest water craft thing out there? We will be moving within walking distance of water (bay water, so no waves to surf/boodie board) and the kids want a paddle board or kayak. Both are expensive so I'm looking for something on the cheaper side.

I would look on facebook marketplace for a used one. If you are that close to the water, you may also find an in-person store that sells used ones and/or sells off their rental stock.

They do make pretty inexpensive inflatable kayaks-- we have one but it was super cumbersome to inflate and we only used it once. It could work for you though if you can inflate at home with an air tank and just carry it to the water.

Great idea. Are you looking to sell yours? (just kidding). I think we'll rent one from sports basement to try out different options and see if it's worth buying used. 

[beerlover]

wildrice , I'm closing off the bedrooms for sure after I wash all the bedding.

The other issue is the cats don't like each other that much so I can't just like quarantine them in the same room lol.

omg, getting a 2nd cat was the stupidest thing I have ever done. Everything was fine before this.

ETA - bug spray seems to help. Once I've showered I'll put leggings and socks on to keep them off me, hopefully..

[ProfessorArtNerd]

Sept 18, 2024 8:02:40 GMT -5 gummybear said:

ProfessorArtNerd that's impressive! I still remember my college ID 30 years after graduation. I don't think he we had high school ones!

I read a thread on Threads (LOL) that Taylor Swift bought a house in the town where my library is. I am SURE it is true and I just can't wait for Travis to bring their babies to story time

My college ID was my social security number. My first ID hass it right on there! My friend’s dad made us burn them off and then called the security office to tell them how bad of an idea it was. We got new ones within the week 🤣

[sadie]

Sept 18, 2024 11:23:10 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Has anyone seen &Juliet? It's coming here next week and I'm supposed to usher at some point, but it's a busy week for me personally and I'm considering skipping it. I don't want to miss it if it's OMG awesome, though. I tend to not be as big of a fan of jukebox musicals (like I was very meh on Six and Moulin Rouge) so I am leaning toward being ok skipping it. I may also just keep watching to see if a Sunday afternoon spot opens up because if I can do it then, it's not as much of a scheduling challenge as the rest of the week.

I've been in the office all week so far and I'm so tired. I'm annoyed that I have a derm appointment first thing tomorrow morning so I have to get up and go out of the house yet again. At least I'll be home by 10:30ish and won't have to leave again, but I'm dying to sleep in a little.

I just got tickets to see it in December when it comes to town!

[litskispeciality]

I'm only through page 1. cereal K, my brother's friend did a virtual meal train website. If you have the bandwidth that might be a huge help to the family. People could also donate money to my brother in lieu of delivering a meal or sending a gift card etc. Let me see if I can find the name of the company. Otherwise I think food gift cards are great as I can imagine people get sick of the same frozen casseroles, lasagna's etc., even if they're easier to gift. Also love the idea of ordering from the restaurant to have it delivered. DH's co-workers chipped in for something like that when someone lost their wife and all DH had to do was (chip in and) pick up the meal, drop it off at the house.

[ProfessorArtNerd]

@cerealkiller, if you go with grub hub, get the card in your hands before they send it to the recipient. When I was sick this spring, H’s college friends got us $200 to grubhub but they put the wrong address on the card. We never got it, and when they finally figured that out, Grubhub was basically like “damn that sucks for you”.

[mofongo]

I just bought a cinnamon broom at Trader Joe’s. HRH Queen Dick I, maybe you should come get me!

[deadwing]

Sept 18, 2024 12:03:57 GMT -5 ProfessorArtNerd said:

Sept 18, 2024 8:02:40 GMT -5 gummybear said:

ProfessorArtNerd that's impressive! I still remember my college ID 30 years after graduation. I don't think he we had high school ones!

I read a thread on Threads (LOL) that Taylor Swift bought a house in the town where my library is. I am SURE it is true and I just can't wait for Travis to bring their babies to story time

My college ID was my social security number. My first ID hass it right on there! My friend’s dad made us burn them off and then called the security office to tell them how bad of an idea it was. We got new ones within the week 🤣

I was in the first year of my college where the students could pick their own email username.  Students from the year before me and earlier were automatically assigned usernames with the following:

- first initial

- first 3 letters of last name

- last 4 SSN

I knew a kid a year older than me with a 2-letter last name.  I remember his email differed from the pattern as a result, but I don't remember how.  Maybe first 2 letters of his first name?

[litskispeciality]

I had a college professor's who's email included "reckd" and everyone thought that was funny, lol.

A long while back there was a conversation on here about 50/50 raffles at charity events and if you should give any to all money back if you win. My DH went to a charity golf tournament not too long ago where everyone started chanting "give it back, give it back!" as the person went up to get their winnings. Dug that memory out of my brain filing cabinet, lol. I'm allll for charity, but was so glad I wasn't the winner. Even if you can get a tax deduction which who knows how much that would even count for nowadays, I wish the person had a private choice in how much they wanted to give back, or let them keep it if they really needed the money.

[wildrice]

Sept 18, 2024 11:33:17 GMT -5 candreco said:

Sept 18, 2024 11:23:10 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Has anyone seen &Juliet? It's coming here next week and I'm supposed to usher at some point, but it's a busy week for me personally and I'm considering skipping it. I don't want to miss it if it's OMG awesome, though. I tend to not be as big of a fan of jukebox musicals (like I was very meh on Six and Moulin Rouge) so I am leaning toward being ok skipping it. I may also just keep watching to see if a Sunday afternoon spot opens up because if I can do it then, it's not as much of a scheduling challenge as the rest of the week.

DD and I saw it in NYC last fall and LOVED it. I've already bought tickets for our family when it comes to the Kennedy Center over winter break as DD's big Christmas present. I personally loved the music (very nostalgic for me but also very clever use of songs for the story), and the story itself was a lot better than most jukebox musicals IMO.

This prompted me to check again, and I can now do it on Sunday afternoon so I signed up! I may as well see it - sounds like I may enjoy it!

[7costanza]

There’s a teacher at my kid’s school with a very unfortunate email address, like “slightly misspelled slang for blow job 69 @school” I have no idea why someone didn’t catch it and change it as if doesn’t even seem to follow the normal naming conventions.

[tacokick]

Does anyone know any good places to eat lunch and/or late night food in Mechanicsburg, PA?

The closest I’ve been is Harrisburg and I know places there but the event I’m attending seems to be in Mechanicsburg proper and I will have limited time to get anywhere for either meal.

I feel like we have a lot of PA people here!

[mala]

Sept 18, 2024 14:07:12 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Does anyone know any good places to eat lunch and/or late night food in Mechanicsburg, PA?

The closest I’ve been is Harrisburg and I know places there but the event I’m attending seems to be in Mechanicsburg proper and I will have limited time to get anywhere for either meal.

I feel like we have a lot of PA people here!

H is napping right now, if I forget tag me later tonight and I'll remember to ask if he has any favorites.

[1confused1]

I am so stressed about money (again?still?) and it is making me extra pissed at my EX because he does nothing to help financially.

I am in a super crappy mood.

I just want to crawl into bed and stay there.

[jinkies]

Sept 18, 2024 13:51:45 GMT -5 7costanza said:

There’s a teacher at my kid’s school with a very unfortunate email address, like “slightly misspelled slang for blow job 69 @school” I have no idea why someone didn’t catch it and change it as if doesn’t even seem to follow the normal naming conventions.

I am envisioning poor Ethel Hummerson whose birthday is June 9 falling victim to an IT prankster. ("No really Ethel-- the email policy is first 6 letters of last name, birthdate")

[maudefindlay]

((1confused1)). Your exH belongs in jail.

[expectantsteelerfan]

Sept 18, 2024 14:07:12 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Does anyone know any good places to eat lunch and/or late night food in Mechanicsburg, PA?

The closest I’ve been is Harrisburg and I know places there but the event I’m attending seems to be in Mechanicsburg proper and I will have limited time to get anywhere for either meal.

I feel like we have a lot of PA people here!

I lived in Hershey, and I might be misremembering, but I feel like Mechanicsburg was only minutes from Hershey.  If that is true, you might be better off going a bit out of your way for the cute, touristy area of Hershey.

ETA nope, I was wrong, Hershey is on the other side of Harrisburg.  So ignore me, sorry!

[mala]

Sept 18, 2024 14:07:12 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Does anyone know any good places to eat lunch and/or late night food in Mechanicsburg, PA?

The closest I’ve been is Harrisburg and I know places there but the event I’m attending seems to be in Mechanicsburg proper and I will have limited time to get anywhere for either meal.

I feel like we have a lot of PA people here!

Hes got nothing. We're no help.

[sadie]

My 8yo really wanted to make a cheesecake; he's never made one before. So, we did. Randomly on a Wednesday for no reason. Seemed like a good idea.