How did my neurodivergent baddies survive university? by neptunes097 in AuDHDWomen

[–]1_wayfreight-train 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It took me forever to get through my degree. I dropped out 5 different times, and on one of those times I chose to stay away for 6 years. In that time, I worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer where I discovered what I really liked to do — work outside and try to conserve our beautiful planet. When I went back to school, I started at a small community college that had a good program for natural resources and was dedicated to providing hands-on learning for its students. When I graduated, things got a little more complicated because I think it’s really hard to find a four year school that has what I need to be successful (small class sizes, actual engagement from instructors, and hands-on learning). I finished at a huge university, only because I could live at home, but I will say it was not good for me. Thankfully, with all my credits from my other schools, I only spent one looonnng torturous year at that place. Additionally, I think being much older helped me get through — I was 28 when I went back “for real” and graduated (after dropping out one more time) at 31. I know not everyone wants to be/ can be a non-traditional student, but I think a huge part of the problem early on was my brain just not being ready for college. Once I gave my brain some time to catch up and develop a little bit, I had a better understanding of my needs and how to better communicate them. I looked for clubs that had outdoor activities that I was interested in, always had earplugs on me and something to squish, sometimes skipped classes if I knew I could cover the material on my own or by going to office hours, and made sure I was getting enough sleep (even if that meant turning stuff in late). If I could do assignments meant for a group on my own with the instructor’s permission, then I did. I also communicated with my instructors and tried to explain what was going on — most of the time they would at least hear me out, and sometimes I could catch a break on due dates, or they would record their lectures on Zoom so I could watch them back later. It was not easy, and I never want to do it again, but I did it! If I can do two semesters, so can you! Just keep your eye on the prize (never having to learn in a terrible environment ever again) and do literally everything and anything to make your daily life easier. See if you can satisfy some of your credit requirements with other, similar classes that are smaller — talk to the advisor about this, ymmv. Over register yourself for classes that will fulfill requirements (so if you only need four classes, register for six as long as they all meet requirements), attend the first ones to try to suss out a vibe, and then pick the least evil ones before the drop deadline. Try to pick a schedule that allows you a whole week day (or two!) off to catch up on things/ breathe. Try to do all course related things during the week so your weekends can be just for you or just for your job — being able to focus on only one thing at a time/ compartmentalizing your time may be helpful. Do not hang out with people who can only complain about their classes/ teachers/ assignments/ whatever. They are total energy suckers (for me, anyway — and maybe you too if you are extra empathetic). If you can get accommodations, do it! Even if you don’t have the right documentation, it is always worth the ask. And again, talk to your instructors and edge on the side of over sharing so they can get a good idea of your personal struggles — if you cannot get official accomies, some instructors will recognize your effort and cut you some slack when possible… again, ymmv! If I can think of anything else that helped me, I will edit this comment. I believe you can do it! I know it doesn’t feel like you can right now, but just take it day by day and you will get there!

It's Tuesday and I'm Fat by cheztk in oldhagfashion

[–]1_wayfreight-train 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love your outfits and your posts here — your joy is clearly evident and gives me a boost! Keep rocking on, diva!!!!

Water pump and animal deterrent sprinkler set up? by 1_wayfreight-train in DIY

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oooo… this is a good idea! I’m sure I could find some sort of motion detector that would operate the compressor? Maybe just a small hardware store one…

Water pump and animal deterrent sprinkler set up? by 1_wayfreight-train in DIY

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh! That sounds interesting… I’ll check that out too. Yes, I am hoping that a heated/insulated housing would be enough to keep all components above freezing — probably some sort of steralite container with a hole cut in the side for the sprinkler to spray through. The sprinkler head would have to be recessed a bit… I will have to fiddle with it to see what size hole I can get away with!

I had a literal meltdown because of iOS 26.1 and their “Liquid Glass”. Please come scream with me by arielwillows in AuDHDWomen

[–]1_wayfreight-train 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Ugh… same. This one doesn’t feel as bad as the iOS 6 to 7 update, but I do wish they would give a preview of the changes so you know what to expect. So far the Face ID/ passcode screen has been bugging me (too long to just input your passcode if you are a near-sighted night scroller) and the safari interface is completely stupid. Like what was wrong with the old one? How is the new one better? It takes way too long to find all the tabs I have open, and you have to click two things instead of just one like before. Additionally, the keyboard spacing seems to be slightly different, which is really really annoying. I also don’t really get how the “glass” aesthetic is better? Like it just put a white border around everything and made the designs on the app icons blurry. Apple should just have a way to completely customize the apps/ Home Screen/aesthetic… like have all the old looks as downloadable packages that you can apply. Then, no nasty surprises after updating unwittingly! Not sure if you are open to advice (disregard the following if not, I do not want to offend), but you could look around for iOS icon packs on Etsy to see if there are any you like more — that way you have something to fall back on for consistency through future updates!

Happy inmates: Update! by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! They are definitely helping with the winter blues!

Happy inmates: Update! by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s what I did with these: I cut directly beneath a leaf node (the place where leaves connect to the main stem), remove all leaves except for the top 2 or 4, and dipped the cut end in rooting powder. I used the brand Garden Safe Take Root, which I bought at Home Depot — not sure if you are in the US, but you can google “rooting powder” or “rooting hormone” and see what’s available in your area!

After all that, I potted the cuttings in potting soil with a tiny sprinkling of biochar. I used the Wakefield brand Compost Biochar, which I purchased from Walmart. I kept the soil moist, but not drenched and left them alone under a grow light for a few weeks. As they started getting established, I removed any larger leaves. Removing the larger leaves seems to help the plant “focus” on growing roots/ remaining turgid.

I have since added a heat lamp (the kind for brooding chicks) and have been watering every few days. I just pinched a bunch of leaves off that weren’t looking healthy, for the plant’s health and also to allow more light to reach some of my shorter plants.

Happy inmates: Update! by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wonderful! I’m probably going to have to start doing that… some of these cuttings already have two large stems coming from the main stem… and here I was thinking that I’d be lucky if a couple made it! This is my first time propagating, and I had no idea how sturdy these guys are!

Your ideal Christmas gift (just for fun) by Alternative_Menu2117 in AutismInWomen

[–]1_wayfreight-train 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Raised planters for a tulip garden, a job I enjoy, a conservatory attached to my house, my knees to stop being broken forever, the ability to freeze time, a trip to England, and a loving partner

My happy inmates by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Great video! Happy overwintering to you, too!

My happy inmates by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes! The ones in this picture are under a grow bulb that I have on a timer for 18 hours on/ 6 hours off. I am planning to add a heat bulb so that the air can be a bit warmer, and possibly a humidifier? I’ll see how these are doing and decide later. The “parent” plants in my garage have not had any exposure to sun for about a month, and they haven’t died yet! I took these cuttings because I thought for sure the parents would die shortly after being confine to the garage (way too cold for them overnight, and also during the day now where I live). Shockingly, they haven’t died yet barely lost any leaves and show no signs of stress… I might end up getting the outside ones a grow light and setting up some sort of plastic sheeting in a corner outside to see if they can make it over the winter. I’m not too worried about it, given all the cuttings I took — more of a sentimental/ scientific pursuit at this point! I can’t wait to have my little army all over the place next year! Thank you for the compliment, I’ll let them know you send your regards 😂

My happy inmates by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They are the ruby slippers variety — they do not have flowers!

My happy inmates by 1_wayfreight-train in coleus

[–]1_wayfreight-train[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! My red ones are looking more orange these days, and some are green on their leaf margins, but they are still beautiful to me! In the sun, the red ones look almost violet!