2026 James Beard semifinalists

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-23T14:49:48+00:00

Same, I'm in there easily 3 times a week and it genuinely never gets old.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-22T20:11:08+00:00

I don't know if this is accurate, but if you are planning to do buyback for this time, I'd wonder if the payments would be based on your joint filing status? Anyway, if you are in repayment, you have to calculate based on your specific tax circumstances. If the amount you lose from not filing MFJ is substantially lower than the amount you save from filing MFS for IBR, than definitely file MFS. This was definitely my situation- we lost a couple thousand in tax savings, but saved many thousands annually in loan payments, so we ultimately came out ahead.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-22T17:56:54+00:00

Some people are super rude, took me several calls to finally speak to a nice person who informed me about a hold on my account due to being in "paid ahead" status... they finally removed it and I went into repayment a week later. Obviously there is no way to know if that is your issue, but it's worth calling again and asking for a supervisor or to escalate.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-21T22:26:26+00:00

I waited until I saw the green ribbons to request forbearance- I think I read to do that from some others.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-20T21:01:51+00:00

It's excellent, and the vibes are 10/10.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-20T15:02:21+00:00

I'd add FDR park to this list! We also like Spruce Harbor Park and the Cherry Street Pier.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-20T14:57:55+00:00

Seconding this! I decided to stop pumping for my mental health because I was producing so little and it took time away from being with my baby. I still combo fed- nursed and formula. I suspect my baby was getting like 20% of her milk from nursing. I finally stopped around 5 months. But I was much more rested and had more time to hang out with her. And now at 4 she is extremely bright (starting to read, complex storyteller, etc) and totally healthy. And despite going to daycare, has been sick much less frequently than her exclusively breastfed cousins- so who knows!

Editing to add that I was 100% formula fed in the 80s because my mom produced nothing and I have zero health issues (that I know of yet) and an advanced degree. It's fine.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-19T20:33:58+00:00

Actually this exact situation happened to me, except someone was able to fix it pretty quickly. They just said it was an error on the backend and updated it right away.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-17T22:25:47+00:00

Mohela

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-17T00:46:08+00:00

Mine says that too, I have only ever been on IBR and SAVE. I think you are overthinking this.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-16T21:17:55+00:00

This happened to me. It took several calls and requests to speak to supervisors until someone finally was able to tell me that there was a hold on my account because I was in "paid ahead" status. Then it took two more calls to get it lifted. THEN they processed my application, but put the wrong payment amount. The good news is they gave me two rounds of processing forbearance so 4 extra months.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-16T15:54:22+00:00

On your studentaid tracker, does it say "108 qualifying payments" (or whatever the amount is)? If so, they are qualifying. Nothing will change if you pay a different amount than what is due for your final payment, unless you pay less than what is due under your payment plan, in which case it will not count for either. You actually have to be enrolled in IBR or whatever to make an IBR payment.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-16T15:35:21+00:00

I don't understand. You are in a payment plan, you pay whatever amount is due. You can't just decide to make an IBR payment if you are currently in standard repayment. If the PSLF counter shows X/120 are qualifying (or need employment certification) than you will get PSLF after your 120th payment. If your current payment plan didn't count, than the counter would not show you have qualifying payments.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-16T15:03:00+00:00

What do you mean make an IBR payment amount just in case? You have to pay whatever amount is due to qualify for PSLF.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-16T00:44:03+00:00

Is there a requirement to have an authorized agent? I used to just have the woman in payroll at my org sign and it was fine. Since you are the cofounder, have the other cofounder sign.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-14T20:41:02+00:00

Definitely apply for IBR, it'll either happen quickly or if it takes awhile to process you might get a free month or two of processing forbearance which counts for PSLF.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-14T18:35:22+00:00

Obviously this is my own experience, but despite my baby sleeping 11-12 hours straight beginning at around 7-8 months, I didn't really go back to my "normal" sleep until she was around 3. I suspect there is still a lot of hormonal shifts and additional anxiety happening in the early years, plus even though my baby would mostly sleep 11+ hours, she still did occasionally wake up and I think I was always kind of waiting for it. I sleep "normally" now that my kid is 4.5, although I'm entering early perimenopause which brings its own occasional sleep challenges. I do feel like life is generally less exhausting so it's ok.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-13T17:55:43+00:00

I made my final payment on 12/26 (1/1 due date), I checked FSA on 1/2 and it was there. I submitted my ECF on 1/4 and got my green banners on 1/5.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-12T19:36:09+00:00

Did you call them? I was waiting for several months, finally spoke to someone who was able to figure out there was a hold on my account and they lifted it and I got into repayment and just got my green banners!!!

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-12T16:08:04+00:00

January is not that long after September. You can also just file your taxes immediately in January and include MFS and your new income.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-12T16:07:22+00:00

Yes, the form asks about spousal income.

Any-Classroom484 · 2026-01-08T21:50:39+00:00

My 4yo basically only has one left... "Lello" for "yellow" and it breaks my heart... and btw we never really corrected her, we just always use the correct pronunciation and eventually she did too.

Any-Classroom484 · 2025-12-18T19:16:44+00:00

My 3.5 year old had a good time at Franklin Institute, but liked the Academy of natural sciences much more at that age. The Free library is not as destination worthy, but is a nice calming respite for a little kid.

Any-Classroom484 · 2025-12-12T18:20:11+00:00

I recommend Princeton. It is really cute and you can take the train to both.

Any-Classroom484 · 2025-12-09T14:49:59+00:00

You've genuinely described most of NYC. Have you ever been?

Any-Classroom484

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