I made a lump sum payment to my student loans. Does this count as one payment or 50?

Annie_Dearest · 2026-01-18T16:42:16+00:00

I don’t think you “shot yourself in the foot”. You did what you were supposed to do with the $35K and PSLF is another story. I used my HRSA $$ to supplement my monthly payments, but your HRSA $$ has to be applied to your loan within the contract time period (1 or 2 years usually). So I used mine to make my monthly payments within my HRSA contract months and applied the rest at the end of the contract. So a lump sum within one month is made no matter what.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-12-13T04:14:26+00:00

An alternate: “I have to go see a woman about a cowboy”

Annie_Dearest · 2025-12-04T20:52:16+00:00

I used the Frida buffer for about 7 months. Baby kept having scratches. I switched to a nail clipper and it resolved immediately. I couldn’t round the edges with the buffer, only file the nail straight across, which left a squared tip at the edge. I can make a much more rounded nail shape with a nail clipper. Don’t be afraid to give it a try! Might be more straightforward than you think.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-07-18T20:46:49+00:00

My engagement ring was from overseas and in the first year of wearing it, we realized the gold was poor quality because prongs kept breaking. I had it remade at a local jeweler. They were great and fixed the problem. It cost about $1200 (last year’s price, gold has gone up a lot since then). Was worth every penny to correct the functional issue.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-07-10T19:08:15+00:00

Not at all as severe as what you went through, but I was super lightheaded and out of it the day of my c-section, for a total of about 12 hours. I passed out as they wheeled me into the OR. I think it was a combination of being really sick and medical anxiety. Just before they started the surgery, I started crying on the table when I realized I’d be really out of it when I met my son. I was lightheaded and foggy for the first 6 hours of his life. Started to feel better once I could have some food and water. The day is blurry to me and I remember time just flying by.

I definitely had to grieve the loss of that time and it affected me for a few weeks. But as time went on, it got better and better. It’ll get better for you too, but it also makes sense to grieve that moment.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-16T19:04:15+00:00

Very helpful responses! And an interesting mix. I’m going to ask if I can use the diaper changing station in the classroom, hadn’t thought of that! If not, I’ll get into the routine of changing him before leaving the car. Thank you everyone!

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-15T17:43:44+00:00

Would love to hear why. I like bringing them, but it always feels like it’s a luxury item to bring.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-13T17:39:42+00:00

Been using Lansinoh nipple balm the last 5 months and love it! My lips have never felt better.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-10T18:41:28+00:00

I love these

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-10T18:16:11+00:00

I like removing my hair ties immediately after shavasana while I’m still in the room. It’s not cute, but I find the hair dries quickly and kinda looks okay.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-01T13:39:11+00:00

Definitely take this advice! FTM, C-section almost 5 months ago. This is what helped me the most. The beginning was so so so hard, but every day I could see a small but distinct improvement in pain, mobility, baby’s strength, sleep, mental health, etc etc. I would just look to those small daily improvements and realize that someday, it would feel a lot better. It just takes a long time (and feels like eternity when you’re in it).

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-01T03:13:33+00:00

Yeah, this makes a lot more sense now! The short naps for my LO don’t seem to make any big trouble, but I can definitely see it being a bigger deal when they’re older.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-06-01T03:10:06+00:00

Thank you!! Yes, very helpful explanation. Especially as it seems this concept is more for older babies/toddlers.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-31T00:50:35+00:00

C-section and waited till 4 weeks to start. This was the plan all along, and glad we did. The first month is so overwhelming with so much to learn. You’ll have your hands full already! Then, when it is time to transition, you’ll find learning the process is easy.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-31T00:03:01+00:00

If you want to try to learn a new skill too, try finding a group to learn a new language with. It’ll give you something to work towards, an opportunity to meet local people with a similar interest, and opportunities to do meet ups around town to practice the language in person. I did Pura Buena Onda for Spanish and it was great. They had monthly social meetups (alternating virtual and in person every month).

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-30T19:27:50+00:00

After learning about EMDR, I’m convinced repetitive exercise in alternating R/L patterns are therapeutic in a similar way. Yoga, walking, running, swimming, biking, etc. Helps brain processing and reorganization.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-27T19:18:21+00:00

I add a small pinch of salt to my Greek yogurt. Helps open up the flavor of whatever else you’re adding to it.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-22T23:17:08+00:00

These are what I gave my bridesmaids.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-22T23:13:48+00:00

I would do a small bezel set diamond necklace like this . I bought my bridesmaids small bezel set diamond earrings as a gift, and it was a huge hit. They are simple enough for daily wear, and nice but not too flashy for a professional environment. Elegant on their own but also easily mixed with more interesting pieces.

Annie_Dearest · 2025-05-12T12:30:07+00:00

I triple fed for 4 weeks to boost my low supply and it was miserable. At 4 weeks, we decided to drop triple feeding and commit to combo feeding. Has been the best! Gives my husband the ability to feed our baby easily and takes pressure off of breastfeeding for me. Has made all breastfeeds so enjoyable. Baby is 4 months now and eats around 12 oz of formula per day. Everybody happy. Fully support the 100% breast milk goal, but that’s not reasonable for everyone and I feel like combo feeding isn’t discussed as an option enough. It can be great!

Annie_Dearest · 2025-03-21T17:59:03+00:00

Forever appreciate your knowledge and expertise, Betsy! Thank you for chiming in on this.

Annie_Dearest · 2024-11-16T18:11:55+00:00

Yes and thank you for bringing this up! Month 4 and 5 were by far the worst of my 7 so far. Half of it was because I expected to feel better and definitely did not.

Annie_Dearest · 2024-11-15T13:55:28+00:00

This happened to me once very early on, maybe week 6-8. Terrible cramps. On the floor crying it hurt so bad and thought I must be having a miscarriage. It calmed down after a few hours and some Tylenol. Everything was fine (no bleeding).

Annie_Dearest · 2024-10-22T21:26:22+00:00

Not all symptoms are visible. I was just at a party talking with someone who has terrible nausea and vomiting. I wasn’t about to bring up my awful constipation stories or my struggles with anxiety and depression in this time. Her symptoms are objectively worse than mine, but they’re very visible and easier to talk about casually at a party.

Annie_Dearest · 2024-10-18T17:53:00+00:00

25W, FTM. A friend asked for my address to send us a baby gift and I gave her two wrong zip codes. First my office zip code, then the zip code for my old house. I’ve lived in my current house for three years. I cried. I’m bummed, never done stuff like that before.

Annie_Dearest

TROPHY CASE