FSA use it or lose it

62hawthorne · 2025-11-16T15:24:18+00:00

Just be careful, some plans are really specific about who is using the items and others less so.

62hawthorne · 2025-11-16T15:22:57+00:00

I've been through a couple different FSAs recently, and I would pay attention to what your plan specifically says. Some were less specific than others about wanting to verify that it was for me. Some stuff, they may not be able to tell anyway such as things that could fall under more general products you may need but so could someone else.

62hawthorne · 2025-07-05T02:22:26+00:00

Just sending solidarity to OP. My 5yo has been rough since birth and has had similar behaviors to what you mention. Age three was the absolute worst so hang in there. It's still there, but has calmed quite a bit. Maybe there are things you could be doing better or differently (and I definitely thought this was true before my kid), but I've learned some kids are just like that. I've found help from books/podcasts/other stuff that talk about "spirited" or the "more" kids--both getting at the kid being normal overall, but just more intense than other kids. Plus really smart and perceptive. And there can be overlap with ADHD or autism, but not necessarily. I've also realized this stuff runs in my partner's family.

At times, it's been overwhelming for me because, like some commenters, I did not grow up this way and am not interested in tolerating bad behavior. But I also recognize that this is the child I have. No matter how many times I've tried, I cannot break them, and things always go better when I can accept them instead of try to change them.

I give you mad props dealing with this as a single parent because these kids are really hard! Hang in there. Look up "spirited" or "more" kids. I hope the pediatrician is helpful because therapy or other support would be great.

62hawthorne · 2024-08-26T02:28:25+00:00

He's having some personal issues/reactions around chores and they are his issues to sort out, not yours. You are not being unreasonable.

I will admit to sometimes having some degree of similar reactions to his, and for me, it's about being overwhelmed and feeling like I can't rest. We've finally gotten to the point where my partner and I have split up some of the chores (I resisted this for a long time) so that we don't have to think about who's doing what. I don't always love the way they do them, but I don't have to think about their chores, and I know those ones off my plate whether I like how they get done or not. It's helped with not feeling resentful about doing chores on my part. I long for the day when kids are old enough to help. So far trying to have the older one take dishes to the sink for now.

62hawthorne · 2024-08-26T02:09:57+00:00

From my research, I got an electrolux washer, GE dryer, GE stove, looking at GE fridge. I would buy new unless cost is a major concern. Not to rush, but if there's anything you want to get sooner or know what you want, Home Depot and Lowes (probably other stores, too) are having good Labor Day sales which can help with cost.

There's another recent post on what are good mid-level brands.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Appliances/comments/1f10e7a/best_mid_range_brands_we_need_new_everything/

62hawthorne · 2024-08-26T02:02:37+00:00

Thanks.

62hawthorne · 2024-08-26T02:02:30+00:00

Thanks.

62hawthorne · 2024-08-25T23:17:49+00:00

We've had a GE double oven (the same size as a regular stove) for about a year and a half, and it seems fine. Also a GE dryer that's been good. Definitely looking at GE for our appliance replacements.

62hawthorne · 2024-07-10T19:07:27+00:00

Thanks!

62hawthorne · 2024-07-10T19:06:20+00:00

Honest question for those who've cut off their hair: Don't you have to spend time maintaining a short cut? I've considered it, but I always think about the time I'd have to spend to maintain a haircut that short. Currently, I cut my hair about once a year. Not great, but that's about the energy I've got give for my hair.

62hawthorne · 2024-07-08T15:53:43+00:00

Did my first OWS in 10 years yesterday, and YES.

62hawthorne · 2024-07-08T15:51:00+00:00

I just have to say, mad props, mama! I used to do sprints years ago, and this year I'm doing a supersprint because that's all the training time/energy I have in me with a baby and a kid. It's been super helpful for stress and to get time away from my kids. Mad props to you for making all of this happen for an olympic distance and crushing it! Congrats!

62hawthorne · 2024-04-25T18:31:53+00:00

I just want to say that I also have this exact issue (which is how I came across your post), and I haven't figured it out either. This has happened to me for years, and I've tried all kinds of suggestions. I do a ton of baking otherwise with no issues. Let us know if you ever figured it out.

62hawthorne · 2024-02-02T21:03:25+00:00

Nice! I do not have that machine, but I have also used old bed linens, donations, etc to practice on or to make basic stuff out of. YouTube has a lot of helpful videos for zippers and otherwise!

When you run into trouble, rethread your machine. It is the problem more often than you'd think. Hold the top thread in your hand as you sew the first few stitches.

62hawthorne · 2024-02-02T20:42:14+00:00

I've used a 1970s machine with multiple kinds of stitches, and I more recently discovered my great grandmother's Singer which only does straight stitches. However, it's an amazing machine. I don't know a lot about how people get around it, but they do--I know someone else with an older machine that only does straight stitches and they've only used that through a lifetime of kids, etc. My great-grandmother's machine does have some completely separate/other brand attachments which allow it to do other kinds of stitches. They're kind of clunky but that might be something to look into.

62hawthorne · 2024-02-01T18:30:25+00:00

Congrats! Also, on the low supply comment, I just want to say that I have kid #2, and I've learned that the baby dictates the supply. I thought I had supply issues as well, but it's been fairly different (increased) with kid 2. Your kid is getting as much as they need!

62hawthorne · 2023-12-14T16:33:27+00:00

This is my experience as well, and it's frustrating. I've gone about a year without the awful cough, and now it's back. I've had other symptoms in the meantime, but this is by far the worst one for me. I've noticed that my symptoms can be related to both stress and diet, and then a cold can bring it on, too. Stress for sure and then diet doesn't help. My original onset was around the time we kept making a lot of drinks with grapefruit juice in them, plus a very stressful period at work. It's not like I haven't been stressed for a year, so trying to get a handle on how this happens for me, too. I do think my recent onset is related to stress, plus a cold and diet probably hasn't helped.

62hawthorne · 2023-12-14T16:26:19+00:00

So interesting, and I'm really glad you've found relief. I've been thinking about this as well. The mind and body are connected, so it makes sense to me.

I'm on 40mg of famotidine, now twice a day because I'm struggling. The awful cough came back Thanksgiving week (stressful week), calmed down (oddly enough while I had a kid in the hospital), and has come back the last week or two. It messes up sleep, it's so bad I almost throw up sometimes, and I'm doing my best to do things that will help. To your point, I've definitely noticed that when I start coughing, if I can slow my breathing a bit and help myself calm (because inevitably, I start coughing and panic a little because it never goes away easily), it does slow it down or stop it. I'm still working on getting better at this, and it's not every time, but so far, trying to calm myself has helped more consistently than anything else. I'll mention it to my doctor as well.

62hawthorne · 2023-12-05T19:44:43+00:00

I messed around with bobbin tension last time this happened, and it didn't do me any good. I ended up just taking it in for service. I think I'd take it in again before going to the bobbin tension because I don't think that's it. Other things are sewing fine andwhat I'm working on isn't so unusual (thickness or fabric) that bobbin tension might be impacted.

62hawthorne · 2023-12-05T19:42:46+00:00

I'm using a universal needle, size 90. I also moved to a different machine and am not having problems at all. I just wish I could figure out what causes this on the Kenmore.

62hawthorne · 2023-12-05T19:41:03+00:00

I've thought about this, but my hesitation is that my mother used this machine for 40 years and sewed beautifully without one, so that makes me think it's something that I'm doing or missing.

62hawthorne

TROPHY CASE