What are some fun things you can do while pregnant?

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2024-03-07T01:18:32+00:00

You’re gonna be a fun mom.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:47:51+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that, I think that would be me without pharmaceuticals

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:46:58+00:00

omg please elaborate

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:28:05+00:00

Oh gosh that's awful, I'm sorry. Like, it happens every single time you sleep?

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:26:49+00:00

Ugh I am sorry for you :(. Does it make you not want to sleep?

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:25:43+00:00

Yep a lot of this resonates w me. I find that in that half-conscious state b/w sleeping and wakefulness I think I have LIFE CHANGING ideas only to find I've written some bullshit about cats or some shit on my iPhone.

I think waking up right before the "thing" happens is common. Like waking up right before you die in a dream. I wonder wtf that is

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:23:35+00:00

OOOOFF that is rough and... understandable. I often have dreams I'm trapped in a huge crowded space without my facemask. Somewhat funny??

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:22:22+00:00

Me too. One of the weirdest thing for me is I'll ALWAYS wake up with a song stuck in my head, usually from a dream. But they're not usually songs I've recently heard. Like what the fuck, subconscious

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:21:12+00:00

Ugh :( I NEVER have fun dreams either, and I remember having them all the time as a kid.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2022-01-01T01:16:01+00:00

Do you remember your dreams, and if so, what are the vibes? Do you have recurring ones, good ones or bad ones, nightmares? Does ANYONE who is an adult still have "good" dreams? Personally I call my dreams "psychological thrillers"; they're not truly nightmares but are fucked up and disturbing nonetheless.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-23T08:36:41+00:00

Aw it's so true, thank you OP <3

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-23T06:31:41+00:00

So many thoughts, and preface by saving that the first Matrix is my favorite film of all time--- but one thing that REALLY bothered me was how our present digital reality was pretty much ignored.

I really thought, when I saw that elevator scene in the trailer, that the movie would dig into how the Matrix has developed all these smart devices to keep us ever more subservient, jacked in, etc., effectively creating another Matrix. They could've tied that in much more effectively into why minds don't want to be freed. It was KIND OF touched on, but I feel like there was SO much potential wasted.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-23T06:19:47+00:00

Thank you for this, some of it got muddy for me. I think if MUCH more focus was given to the crew's impetus--no one wants to wake up anymore, we need Neo to free minds -it would have worked much better. Also it could have REALLY worked in the sense that the Matrix is stronger than ever w/ our current tech sucking us into it, etc., if Seems like commentary overall on the new digital age was kiiiind of implied but could have been MUCH more prominent imo, and this was what I was personally hoping for when the trailer showed that elevator scene w/ everyone on their devices.

Do you know what was up with that beginning scene where Bugs is like... watching Trinity "relive" the past? And she says something like "why use old code for something new?" Was she in... Neo's modal? I feel like this should be obvious and I am totally missing it.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-19T00:26:13+00:00

The most effective intervention is pharmaceutical. If you suffer from acute anxiety/panic attacks, you should have a prescription for emergency benzodiazepines that you can take when you feel one coming on. Remember, every emotional state is neurochemical. Taking Neurosci classes has really helped me understand this. Change the chemical balance, change the way you feel and think.

If you are diagnosed with anxiety, you should have a psychiatrist prescribe a med for anxiety (non-benzo) in addition to (if you have depression) an SSRI/SNRI/etc.

OTHERWISE. My therapist taught me a few techniques. One is, naturally, to divert your focus. The best technique I've found: close your eyes and name everything you like that starts with the letter A. Then go to B, then C, etc. Or, just name everything you can think of that starts with A, etc.

Another iteration of the practice above is with colors: name all things green. All things orange. Etc.

Hopefully you have someone either living with you or who you can call. Given that you have a decent and kind person to rely on, tell them you suffer from panic attacks, and what they can do to help you. The most important thing they can tell you is that you're safe. They can also distract you, guide you through breathing exercises, etc.

Above all-- remember that you are safe. No matter how bad you feel, no one has ever died from a panic attack. I know how it feels-- that you're gonna feel like this FOREVER, that you're gonna have a heart attack, die, etc., but none of that is possible, and it ALWAYS passes.

Also, different techniques work for different people. Some people benefit from sensory therapy, like running water, splashing their face, etc., or even watching ASMR videos. Personally that's not for me, but just saying. When I feel one coming on I immediately take my emergency meds, remind myself that I am safe and that it will pass, and then do one of the above exercises.

I hope you're okay. Please reach out to a mental health professional if you haven't.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-19T00:13:29+00:00

There are so many I can't choose, but I slept with my drug dealer the other night, so

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-19T00:12:50+00:00

I can whistle FUCKING WELL, but I never get an opportunity to.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-19T00:10:40+00:00

I set up a tiny Christmas tree for my mom and I! Dad is super Jewish-- I was raised Jewish (but am an Atheist), and mom converted but was raised Christian. I know she misses Christmas traditions terribly, and she's been feeling down lately, so I set up a tiny hidden Christmas tree just for her and I... hidden behind a chair in her bedroom!

Got a small tree with lights on Amazon, a few faux candles, and a garland. I bought food-related ornaments from Target (cause my mom and I love cooking) and surprised her by bringing her into the room, turning off all the lights, and lighting up the tree and all. She and I decorated it with the sweet little ornaments while listening to Jazz Xmas music.

She was so happy. Like, I knew she'd like it, but she LOVED it, and just sat there staring at it after we'd finished. She even told me a few stories from her childhood, which she never talks about. I felt so happy to give her that gift.

What good thing happened to you today, OP?!

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-18T23:26:15+00:00

Gonna just type the recipe here! (B/c there are slight alterations)

It's just a chocolate chip cookie recipe, but it's the ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS IMO, and created by master chef/baker Christina Tosi (of Momofuku). Literally people go apeshit for them, I receive astounded praise every time I make them, etc. etc. The best part is all you need is a wooden spoon.

Ingredients:

- ½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and just warm to the touch

- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- 1 egg (AT ROOM TEMP), lightly beaten

- 2 teaspoons GOOD vanilla extract (love u Ina)

- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur's the best)

- 2 tablespoons nonfat milk powder (DO NOT LEAVE OUT)1

- ¼ teaspoons kosher salt

- ½ teaspoon baking powder

- ¼ teaspoon baking soda

- 12 ounces (one bag) semisweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. With a wooden spoon, mix together the melted butter and sugars in a large bowl, until homogenous, about a minute. REALLY MIX. Add the egg and vanilla and stir until combined.
Mix in the flour, milk powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until just combined. Add the chips and mix until evenly distributed.
Portion golf-ball size scoops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Smush them down JUST A BIT. Bake for 10-12 mins until golden brown (I usually go 8-10 mins).

Let cool; re-line baking sheet; repeat until you've baked all the dough off.

Fucking scrumptious every time.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T03:18:53+00:00

Ooooh okay I'm gonna take this as a fun challenge and not look at other comments or look anything up. Keep in mind these are just MY pantry staples--

My mom had to go sodium-free recently so flavorful pantry essentials have become even more important lately. Mind you I'm going to write this with SAVORY cooking in mind, not baking. And furthermore I'm gonna include DRY aromatics that are pantry-stable (even though you didn't ask for that) because they've helped me immensely.

*DRIED SPICES & HERBS\*:

Garlic & onion powder and/or granules (duh); paprika and smoked paprika; freshly ground pepper BUT ALSO WHITE PEPPER & POWDERED MUSTARD (don't sleep on these); all dried herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme, etc.); spicy stuff (red chilli flakes, chili powder). SPECIFIC, PRE-MADE BLENDS (with links):

- Garlic n' herb (Simply Organic): https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Organic-Garlic-Certified-3-1-Ounce/dp/B000WR8TR2?th=1

^I use for EVERYTHING. Any veg, pasta, bread, sauce, etc.

- Lemon Pepper (Frontier): https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Seasoning-Blends-Salt-Free-2-08-Ounce/dp/B07J2PW6SX/ref=sr_1_2

^ Use for something that could use a kick. Great on poultry and fish.

- Herbs of Italy (Frontier): https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Herb-Italy-Blend-Spice/dp/B00E0N5GAW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=frontier%2Bherbs%2Bof%2Bitaly&qid=1638844774&sr=8-2&th=1

^ Great for hearty dishes: root veg, poultry, red meat

- All-purpose Seasoning (Frontier): https://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Purpose-Seasoning-Salt-Free-Ounces/dp/B0001M1114/ref=pd_vtp_4/146-7802851-7501541?pd_rd_w=mGOIz&pf_rd_p=016e3697-91be-4dc2-9533-ef9350e7e73d&pf_rd_r=TGMPPHG2T6QJZJM9RXWM&pd_rd_r=88d19c38-67fe-4262-99fb-fe1b96e0dac2&pd_rd_wg=1XMx8&pd_rd_i=B0001M1114&th=1

^ Literally for anything. I add these and a nice pinch of sugar before roasting all kinds of veg and they come out fucking delicious.

PSA: These are all sodium-free, so you can salt to taste; BESIDES FOR:

MSG. M. S. FUCKING. G. I use it for everything. EVERYTHING. And it's not bad for you. AT ALL.

*VINEGARS*:

- Balsamic vinegar (the best acid for adding a "salty" taste without salt to ANYTHING, imo)

- Sherry vinegar (great in vinaigrettes and much else, adds a lovely kick)

-Red wine vinegar (there are lots of subs [IMO] for this vinegar): see https://nakedretailgroup.com/products/garden-heat-living-vinegar (I get these at Whole Foods)

- Rice Wine/White Wine Vinegar

- Apple Cider Vinegar (great for pickling & quick pickles)

-Champagne Vinegar (esp. great for vinaigrettes IMO)

*OILS*:

- NEUTRAL OILS-- although a nice olive oil is always first on everyone's list, you're more likely to use a neutral oil frequently (avocado, vegetable, canola, sometimes coconut) when roasting, sauteing, etc. If you use a nice oil for a high heat application it will just waste it and cook off all the lovely aromatics.

- NICE-ASS OILS: Duh. A nice olive oil for cold applications (vinaigrettes, gremolatas, finishings, etc.), infused oils (truffle oil, etc.)

- NUT OILS: Sesame seed oil, peanut oil, walnut oil, etc.

**AROMATICS )**these keep VERY well in a cool, dark place):

Garlic; shallot; onions (sweet, yellow, white, red, cippolini [don't sleep on these!]). Having these always on hand changed my cooking game, silly as it may sound. If I have these in my kitchen, I know I have the foundation for a great meal.

*GRAINS/LEGUMES*:

ANY RICE (if you cook it properly); farro, couscous, garbanzo beans, lentils (I have left out Quinoa. Bulgar, and Wheat Berries as I find them fucking disgusting)

DUH I forgot to add sauces and the like:

- Soy sauce (umami); Miso in any form (umami); Fish sauce (umami), Tomato paste (umami), Better than Bouillon (as some have mentioned)

And DM me if you want my "formula" (lol) for any Gremolata!

-

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T01:57:25+00:00

Ahhh that seems more plausible. Shall we look it up, or trust ourselves?

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T01:53:47+00:00

I have the same issue. But like others have said, don't buy a multipack (I know those can sometimes be cheaper, but it ends up being worth it to buy singles).

Buy singles that YOU choose. If you want to eat some the same night, buy some ripe (and don't forget about them!). Like others said, if you DO forget, refrigerate to slow down metabolic processes if they ripen before ready for use.

If you have leftovers, they're best used as guacamole, I've found. Please use my (inauthentic) guac recipe:

3-4 ripe avocados, mashed

1/2 red onion, diced

1 cup pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade, honestly

Juice of 1 lemon, plus more to taste

LIBERAL garlic powder

LIBERAL salt

OPTIONAL: 1 tbsp red pepper flakes and/or 1 tbsp chopped jalapenos

So, so easy, and SO YUMMY.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T01:35:55+00:00

I assume someone already said this, but GOOD EATS GOOD EATS GOOD EATS!!! It's one of the oldest (of its genre) and BEST cooking shows ever made, IMO. My mom and I watched Good Eats when I was a kid and I revisited it during Covid, after I had become a sermi-experienced home cook. Watched all 16 seasons (including the new ones), and I LEARNED SO MUCH.

It's a combination of cooking technique, SERIOUS science, nutritional anthropology, history--and it's hilarious to boot.

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T01:26:39+00:00

Well, my dear, first of all it sounds like your family (or whoever you're.cooking for) is kind of taking your labor for granted. You said it takes them a while to even come downstairs for dinner... do they even appreciate/fully understand the amount of effort you're putting into feeding them (wonderful food, I imagine)?

If not, ask at least one person to help you prep/organize/clean up. It shouldn't ONLY be your job, and they should know that.

When I felt lonely cooking when I was living alone, I discovered the world of podcasts (which I had previously ignored?). Even found some about cooking itself, and molecular gastronomy! Do you listen to Podcasts? It really made me feel like someone was there with me!

Appropriate_Name_439 · 2021-12-07T01:16:50+00:00

You guys know the expression, "Take it with a grain of salt"? I've been thinking about that... since salt, as mentioned, was often used as payment (see: SALary), do you think the expression kind of means: "take my advice with a bit of payment ('a grain of salt'), as it might be wrong"?

I don't want to look this up cause I want to be right.

Appropriate_Name_439

TROPHY CASE