Monday Randoms

[lavenderblue]

I started MHT 30 days ago. Before that I was getting my period every 3 weeks. I noticed over the weekend that I still hadn't gotten it and it's been 5 weeks. Apparently the one that I'm taking can suppress your period. I'm not mad. 

[meanie]

My poor car, I drove over a small patch of road that was dug up and was way deeper than it looked. It sounded like it hurt and my bumper all but fell off. I imagine the DPW guy who placed a cone on the side of the road thinking "this is good enough".

[pandorica]

There is currently an insane situation going on at work that has gotten national attention. It has lead to people getting death threats and horrible emails and voicemails from the public. People are finding their social media and posting threats against them/their children/families. None is directed at me because I don't technically work for the agency (contractor) but H does. We were told we could WFH today if we felt unsafe - H and I decided I would stay home just so we're not in the same location in case something happens.

Well at 9:45 we all got an email that everyone needs to get out of the building due to security threats, so he's coming home. I fucking hate people, this is insane and over the DUMBEST THING.

Between this and the election tomorrow I'm a ball of anxiety and won't be accomplishing anything today.

[mcppalmbeach]

Oh my goodness pandorica, that’s awful! I hope everything can be resolved soon.

My truly random is that technology can be frustrating. I keep getting served Facebook ads from Macys with a certain sales price offered on something I want. When I click the link to shop, the item is about $15 more expensive on the sale price. On Instagram I keep getting a great coupon ad that is only valid for in a location 2 1/2 hours away from me (nowhere I have ever lived or done more than driven through). First world problems, but annoying anyway.

[emilyinchile]

pandorica how awful, I'm sorry you guys are going through that! I hope it passes quickly.

[ProfessorArtNerd]

I switched my classes today to be online. My campus is a couple blocks away from the parkway, where there will be a Harris/Walz event tonight. I drive in, and one of the street closures is where I park so have a nice day of videos in your bedrooms, students! I can’t get stuck down there bc our home schedule on Mondays is very tight.

[tacokick]

pandorica that is horrible! I hope it dies down. A HS friend is a meteorologist and he got threats over the hurricane. What gets in these people’s minds??

[followyourarrow]

I need this week to be over. The election is tomorrow. Step-daughter goes in for MRIs tomorrow, finally, maybe we can get answers. FI's job is crazy and we have no idea if he's allowed back at work or if he's fired, or what kind of craziness is going on. His old boss called him at 5:45 this morning with some kind of weird business plan. My boss's boss and other upper management are showing up this week and hopefully we can figure out if my boss is retiring, going part-time or what, and where exactly that leaves me with my position. Of course, I had a nightmare last night that they told me I'm not good enough to be a financial controller and they bumped me down to being a secretary. We're trying a new vet for our dog that keeps getting reoccurring ear infections, I'm hoping they have answers, but also hoping it doesn't cost too much. My mom shows up this week and she's always drama, craziness, and in our business. I'd like to tell her she needs to stay at a hotel, but so far I don't have the guts to do it. Oh and my class that I'm in isn't necessarily hard, but it's extremely time consuming, it's taking a good 10-12 hours a week. I'd cry, but I'm tired.

[jinkies]

I was talking to a friend last night. She was a stay at home mom for many years, and stumbled into a side gig a few years ago doing something that she really enjoys. I am really proud and sincerely happy for her.

She mentioned last night how much she makes from it. She is making more than I am in my 20-year career. I have been trying, and failing, to get a higher paying job for a long time. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.

I will get over it, but man. Why can't I stumble into a 6-figure side gig doing something that I enjoy so much it doesn't feel like work?

[lilypad1126]

I just spent 30 minutes on the phone scheduling an appt with a new GYN to try to get my mirena replaced. This will be my 3rd attempt at this since August. The first 2 offices wouldn't bill my insurance directly and my insurance won't reimburse me if I pay out of pocket to the speciality pharmacy those 2 were trying to use. I am not hopeful this 3rd attempt will work, but at least I have my consultation on the books and the woman I spoke to this morning seemed very confused about why I was asking how they bill. She did explain their process, which sounds like what my insurance wants to happen, so hopefully this works. Otherwise I guess I'm out another $10 copay.

Overall, this is just frustrating and not critical, but I swear to god if this doesn't work, this might be the thing that pushes me to move out of Texas. (I realize this probably isn't a Texas thing per se, but this will be my 3rd mirena and I've never once had this trouble before).

[wildrice]

pandorica, that sounds scary. I hope everything blows over quickly - how frustrating to have to deal with.

Not having kids is weird sometimes - I am working the election tomorrow and thought I was scheduled to be at the elementary school. It turns out I'm at the middle school instead. I was wondering how the heck I mixed that up, but I just looked it up and they are both at the same place. I think they are technically 2 separate buildings, but same campus. I'm laughing at myself that we've lived here for 4 years, I've voted there multiple times, I drive and walk past it all the time, but I didn't even know they were two different schools. It also occurs to me that I have no idea what HS we are zoned to, or where it is. Or whether school is cancelled for tomorrow for the election (I assume yes?). I am very out of the loop.

I had a very busy weekend, but a fulfilling one. Tomorrow is going to be a 15 hour day, so today I'm trying to do some stuff at work while also doing laundry, ordering groceries, and just generally trying to get things in order for the week since I did not doing anything productive this weekend.

[TR]

I had the weirdest thing happen 3 times yesterday. I've only ever had this feeling when I was about to be sick, but yesterday I didn't feel sick at all, but it was like I got really hot, my hands were kind of tingly and it was this...like...rushing? squeezing? feeling on the top half of my body. I don't know if it was anxiety (I wasn't in an anxious situation any of the times, but my anxiety has been working overtime lately between work and the election) or maybe I was a little dehydrated? I don't know. It was weird.

[mcppalmbeach]

Nov 4, 2024 10:59:37 GMT -5 jinkies said:

I was talking to a friend last night. She was a stay at home mom for many years, and stumbled into a side gig a few years ago doing something that she really enjoys. I am really proud and sincerely happy for her.

She mentioned last night how much she makes from it. She is making more than I am in my 20-year career. I have been trying, and failing, to get a higher paying job for a long time. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.

I will get over it, but man. Why can't I stumble into a 6-figure side gig doing something that I enjoy so much it doesn't feel like work?

Do a friend a favor and share the side gig lol.

[meanie]

TR those symptoms could be a few things, but that's how I feel when my blood sugar drops. I get flushed and nauseous, sometimes dizzy and my vison goes dark. It hits me all at once and if it didn't run in my family I would think I was having some type of medical event.

Could be blood pressure related too, especially with the tingling/pressure feeling, definitely worth talking to a dr if it keeps happening.

[tacokick]

I know in the grand scheme of things the class I am taking is not important but it is stressing me out. The last class was such a mess the instructor did a private zoom with me and asked how she can do better and took notes 😢 But her emails and responses to things are also super unhelpful and border on nonsensical at times.


I asked her to clarify what she said in her latest email and gave her new info (please send my supplies to a different address than usual) and her response is “that is correct”. Did you see the part about the mail, Sally? Or I will email her info she asks for and get no response and she will ask for it again in class. I’m not the one dropping the ball here.

I have bigger things going on, this was supposed to be a fun distraction. Don’t drag it into the dirt!

[jinkies]

Nov 4, 2024 11:33:22 GMT -5 mcppalmbeach said:

Nov 4, 2024 10:59:37 GMT -5 jinkies said:

I was talking to a friend last night. She was a stay at home mom for many years, and stumbled into a side gig a few years ago doing something that she really enjoys. I am really proud and sincerely happy for her.

She mentioned last night how much she makes from it. She is making more than I am in my 20-year career. I have been trying, and failing, to get a higher paying job for a long time. I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous.

I will get over it, but man. Why can't I stumble into a 6-figure side gig doing something that I enjoy so much it doesn't feel like work?

Do a friend a favor and share the side gig lol.

I'm not sure I want to put the exact situation out there because it's so specific. But she offers extremely niche catering and party services to a built-in clientele in a very wealthy area. 

[TR]

Nov 4, 2024 11:36:31 GMT -5 meanie said:

TR those symptoms could be a few things, but that's how I feel when my blood sugar drops. I get flushed and nauseous, sometimes dizzy and my vison goes dark. It hits me all at once and if it didn't run in my family I would think I was having some type of medical event.

Could be blood pressure related too, especially with the tingling/pressure feeling, definitely worth talking to a dr if it keeps happening.

Thank you! I was drinking a Sprite and snacking on chips & dip & salsa when it happened so I don't think it's blood sugar, but maybe blood pressure. I will keep it in mind. I swear 2024 is the year for my body to just fall apart, I keep having so many weird things happen lol

[sproctopus]

Nov 4, 2024 11:08:20 GMT -5 TR said:

I had the weirdest thing happen 3 times yesterday. I've only ever had this feeling when I was about to be sick, but yesterday I didn't feel sick at all, but it was like I got really hot, my hands were kind of tingly and it was this...like...rushing? squeezing? feeling on the top half of my body. I don't know if it was anxiety (I wasn't in an anxious situation any of the times, but my anxiety has been working overtime lately between work and the election) or maybe I was a little dehydrated? I don't know. It was weird.

This happened to me a few weeks ago. Those are my panic attacks (also came out of nowhere, I was literally thinking about cookies when it started). And they kept rolling in like waves. Sorry that happened It's a yucky feeling.

[TR]

Nov 4, 2024 11:56:01 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Nov 4, 2024 11:08:20 GMT -5 TR said:

I had the weirdest thing happen 3 times yesterday. I've only ever had this feeling when I was about to be sick, but yesterday I didn't feel sick at all, but it was like I got really hot, my hands were kind of tingly and it was this...like...rushing? squeezing? feeling on the top half of my body. I don't know if it was anxiety (I wasn't in an anxious situation any of the times, but my anxiety has been working overtime lately between work and the election) or maybe I was a little dehydrated? I don't know. It was weird.

This happened to me a few weeks ago. Those are my panic attacks (also came out of nowhere, I was literally thinking about cookies when it started). And they kept rolling in like waves. Sorry that happened It's a yucky feeling.

Liked only in commiseration

[Covergirl82]

Nov 4, 2024 11:36:31 GMT -5 meanie said:

TR those symptoms could be a few things, but that's how I feel when my blood sugar drops. I get flushed and nauseous, sometimes dizzy and my vison goes dark. It hits me all at once and if it didn't run in my family I would think I was having some type of medical event.

Could be blood pressure related too, especially with the tingling/pressure feeling, definitely worth talking to a dr if it keeps happening.

Agree, with meanie, I feel the same when my blood sugar drops.  I have gotten tingly hands/fingers in addition to feeling flushed, nauseous, dizzy, seeing stars or vision going dark.  Hypoglycemia runs in my family, so after the first time I had an episode, and connected with family about it, I determined it was the same thing.  But agree with others that it's always good to check with your doctor on new/concerning health situations.

[sproctopus]

Nov 4, 2024 12:02:10 GMT -5 TR said:

Nov 4, 2024 11:56:01 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

This happened to me a few weeks ago. Those are my panic attacks (also came out of nowhere, I was literally thinking about cookies when it started). And they kept rolling in like waves. Sorry that happened It's a yucky feeling.

Liked only in commiseration

The tingly feeling for a panic attack to me feels like electricity buzzing in my body. That's what convinces me to go to the ER everytime (I don't, but I am always like, I am definitely dying rn). I'm not saying it couldn't be something else, but what you described is very familiar to me. ❤️

[spindle92]

You know how everyone says that you have to take care of yourself first, in order to help others?
Well, I thought I was doing that but clearly, I failed.

The wonderful case of covid I had has now turned into pneumonia.
I feel awful, both mentally and physically.

[circa1978]

I just took a Klonopin and stress ate an embarrassing amount of Snickers fun-sized candy. I don't even like candy. I am really struggling to maintain focus on anything but the election right now.

[redheadbaker]

It's Open Enrollment time. UGH.

DS has aged out of Dependent Care FSA eligibility. Great! Saves me about $160 per paycheck.

DS and I were on a HDHP plan with an HSA last year (funded by me and employer). But I did the math, and the premiums for a PPO are less than what I would pay for the HDHP premiums + what I estimate I need in my HSA to cover my costs -- I'm on 3 meds, DS is on 1, I go to the doctor regularly for hypertension checkups, see a specialist or two a year, and something weird is going on with my bloodwork that we haven't figured out yet. DS is relatively healthy, just a well-check once a year.

But I'm second-guessing whether the PPO is the right plan for us.

[pinkdutchtulips]

We had our first refusal day. She had a great week last week. This morning she had 'low energy' and was tired and just could not get moving (I tried from 6:15a to 7:45a w no luck).  Since my work is aware of the situation, I'll just work from home until she's ready and take her in whatever time that may be (she's got transportation home so that's not an issue). 

Today was a new one bc this week I'm in office rather than home. More working out the kinks but getting her there period! outranks me in the office by X time. 

[MDmomof2]

Nov 4, 2024 11:07:19 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Not having kids is weird sometimes - I am working the election tomorrow and thought I was scheduled to be at the elementary school. It turns out I'm at the middle school instead. I was wondering how the heck I mixed that up, but I just looked it up and they are both at the same place. I think they are technically 2 separate buildings, but same campus. I'm laughing at myself that we've lived here for 4 years, I've voted there multiple times, I drive and walk past it all the time, but I didn't even know they were two different schools. It also occurs to me that I have no idea what HS we are zoned to, or where it is. Or whether school is cancelled for tomorrow for the election (I assume yes?). I am very out of the loop.

I have kids who went to an elementary and middle on the same campus, one of which is my voting place, and I nearly always walk into the wrong building to vote .  Yes, all HoCo schools are cancelled tomorrow.  There are usually Girl Scouts selling cookies at polling places so I'm bringing cash!

[beerlover]

I'm a ball of anxiety today about the election and a few other things, ugh. Shitty feeling.

I've been pretty productive at work though which is helping I think, and I'm going to sneak out for an afternoon walk which will hopefully help too.

Random-
I'm going to NY with a friend this weekend; she's giving a speech at a community college there and asked me to tag along. We will be not far from Long Island area...our hotel is in Hauppage, I think? Anyway, if anyone has recs for cool bars or restaurants in that area, hit me up.

[lavenderblue]

Nov 4, 2024 13:24:04 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

It's Open Enrollment time. UGH.

DS has aged out of Dependent Care FSA eligibility. Great! Saves me about $160 per paycheck.

DS and I were on a HDHP plan with an HSA last year (funded by me and employer). But I did the math, and the premiums for a PPO are less than what I would pay for the HDHP premiums + what I estimate I need in my HSA to cover my costs -- I'm on 3 meds, DS is on 1, I go to the doctor regularly for hypertension checkups, see a specialist or two a year, and something weird is going on with my bloodwork that we haven't figured out yet. DS is relatively healthy, just a well-check once a year.

But I'm second-guessing whether the PPO is the right plan for us.

I feel this in my bones. I ended up putting together a spreadsheet that I can populate every year during open enrollment that breaks down my total potential out-of-pocket cost for each plan that my employer offers (I include premium and funding of my HSA in that calculation). It is really eye opening. If I were to go with my PPO it would be about $1500 less up front, but after you calculate in the out-of-pocket maximum (due to co-insurance) the potential cost for the mid-HDHP (that I opted for) is nearly $5K less. As someone who goes to the doctor a lot, as do my kids, the HDHP just makes more sense. I have yet to hit my deductible (though I'm close this year for the first time) and so any extra money in my HSA gets invested. 

[redheadbaker]

Nov 4, 2024 13:57:26 GMT -5 lavenderblue said:

Nov 4, 2024 13:24:04 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

It's Open Enrollment time. UGH.

DS has aged out of Dependent Care FSA eligibility. Great! Saves me about $160 per paycheck.

DS and I were on a HDHP plan with an HSA last year (funded by me and employer). But I did the math, and the premiums for a PPO are less than what I would pay for the HDHP premiums + what I estimate I need in my HSA to cover my costs -- I'm on 3 meds, DS is on 1, I go to the doctor regularly for hypertension checkups, see a specialist or two a year, and something weird is going on with my bloodwork that we haven't figured out yet. DS is relatively healthy, just a well-check once a year.

But I'm second-guessing whether the PPO is the right plan for us.

I feel this in my bones. I ended up putting together a spreadsheet that I can populate every year during open enrollment that breaks down my total potential out-of-pocket cost for each plan that my employer offers (I include premium and funding of my HSA in that calculation). It is really eye opening. If I were to go with my PPO it would be about $1500 less up front, but after you calculate in the out-of-pocket maximum (due to co-insurance) the potential cost for the mid-HDHP (that I opted for) is nearly $5K less. As someone who goes to the doctor a lot, as do my kids, the HDHP just makes more sense. I have yet to hit my deductible (though I'm close this year for the first time) and so any extra money in my HSA gets invested. 

Do you mind sharing the spreadsheet, or at least what info to put in it? I'm looking at online calculators, but I don't know if I put in my out of pocket costs, or the costs my doctor bills to the insurance. 

ETA: PM me, if you prefer. 

[bears]

Last night, DS and I were roughhousing and he kicked me in the bridge of the nose. He was so upset he hurt me, but it was completely my fault as for putting my face where it doesn't belong!

Luckily my nose isn't bruised but it still hurts, especially when chewing.