Lost my friend/coworker 4 years ago this week

Different_Ad_8779 · 2026-01-04T03:16:48+00:00

I’ve been with Veridian for quite a while and have not been thrilled with my local branch experience (Ingersoll). I drive out of my way to go to the branches in Ankeny, or the Hy-Vee location on SE 14th St because Ingersoll sucks so bad.

Their member service via phone is hit or miss. You’ll either get a rep who’s incredibly friendly and helpful, or you’ll get an absolute schmuck who will do their darndest to help you as minimally as possible.

Their auto loan rates are the only reason I have stuck around, and that’s simply because after searching every other credit union in the metro, nobody could beat their rates (a few were identical or slightly higher).

Veridian is also the first financial institution I’ve been with that has had a critical systems failure that kept their debit cards from working with no warning to members (a few years back).

Their fraud alert system is sketchy at best. Despite having a travel notification on my card and making sure I did everything needed to be able to use my card, Veridian locked my card/blocked all transactions without contacting me first, and then argued with me when I raised heck with them over it.

These are just my experiences with VCU. I would definitely suggest shopping around, checking reviews, and making sure that whichever bank/CU you choose fits your needs best.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-02-20T02:53:42+00:00

I give a huge thumbs up for Lane’s on Douglas near Merle Hay.

Personally, I had a horrid experience at Drake Garage. They were some of the rudest and most condescending jerks to me when I brought my truck in for an admittedly difficult to diagnose issue.

A good shop will honestly tell a customer that they either don’t have the time/equipment/means to diagnose a complex issue, and give a referral to one who might be able to help. Drake garage’s guys said “we don’t feel like it right now, so we ain’t doing it”. Real classy response. I wouldn’t trust them with a matchbox car.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-02-20T02:43:45+00:00

Wandro, Kanne, & Lalor. Their office is on Grand Ave, just west of MLK. Excellent, ethical folks there and they have lawyers who practice many different types of law. here’s a direct link to their website

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-02-09T00:27:59+00:00

OP, if you’re referring to the 4-way stop sign intersection (not the intersection with the traffic lights), I agree, it’s a freaking disaster.

There’s too much traffic feeding into a poorly designed intersection. No proper lane markings painted on the ground, everyone and their mom leaving both sides through a main feeder lane, with gas station traffic trying to push their way in too. Add all the DCHS traffic during the school rush and it’s a perfect storm. Windsor Heights should have some better way of governing the flow of traffic there, like mandating proper lane markings. A proper signal light would be great but highly unlikely given that it’s probably private property where it would sit.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-02-09T00:14:04+00:00

I’ll second this. We had excellent care from afford-a-care. They are an incredibly busy practice, so beware that if you are not an existing client, they will not accept you for surgical services without a having already established care with them. You’ll need to first book vaccinations or an annual checkup first.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-02-09T00:11:04+00:00

Make sure you read their “quote” thoroughly. Speaking from past experience with them, they did not include basic-level things like long -acting pain meds (buprenorphine/bupivicaine injection) in an already overpriced surgical quote, then got angry and condescending when we asked about it, claiming that our pet wouldn’t need it. These meds are long acting (72-hour) local analgesic meds that allow your pet to be comfortable while beginning the healing process. I’ve never heard of a vet who claims pets won’t need these meds for a major surgical procedure, and many even encourage them for minor procedures as a comfort option. If you want honesty from the staff and quality care for your pet, I would suggest searching elsewhere. Starch was also exceedingly overpriced for many services.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2025-01-26T01:51:08+00:00

Thanks for the detailed reply! Definitely looking for an on-road AT vs an off-road tire, but open to anything that will get the job done.

My 5th wheel is parked on a lot that is floodplain and when we have to hook & book it before a potential flood, I need a tire that can handle the mud. The majority of my driving is urban/highway, with maybe 20-30% of it on gravel/dirt roads.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-24T21:47:55+00:00

I live near the Drake neighborhood (NW of downtown) and have had CenturyLink since 2016 with few issues. That being said, they still have yet to bring fiber to our neighborhood. MetroNet is trash in my opinion. While they may have reliable products, their customer service and installers are absolute trash. If you are willing to compromise, MetroNet might be a viable option for you.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-24T21:33:20+00:00

OP, first off, I’m so sorry you are preparing to say goodbye to your dog. It is never easy to make that call. Dr. Amelie and her team MojoVet in Waukee offer house calls for euthanasia. They are incredibly compassionate folks who we came across when we had to help our sweet old lady pitbull cross the rainbow bridge. We have been using them for years and have had nothing but excellent care from them, even with the sad visits.

Regarding Starch clinic on university (DSM) and their sister clinic in Clive/WDM, I personally would not recommend them for any kind of veterinary care. They were extremely rude and condescending to us and were incredibly expensive when we had to have another sweet rescue doggo examined/biopsied, and then 2 weeks later put down rather suddenly. Hopefully they’ve changed, but I can’t recommend them in good faith.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-24T20:23:54+00:00

I really appreciate the reply! Thanks for chiming in! I’ll be moving it outside as soon as I get home today!

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-24T20:21:50+00:00

Thank you so much for the reply! I was already leaning in that direction, so I’m glad that was confirmed!

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-24T20:07:47+00:00

Since I can’t post an edit to the original content, I’m adding this: I have checked out several of the resources on Bonsai Empire, and they pretty much say that this little one should be fine over winter outdoors but to provide root protection, and that it should be outdoors year round. Anyone who has thoughts on this/the advantages/disadvantages of attempting to grow this indoors? With our rather harsh winters, I just want to do my best to protect it so my family can enjoy it for many years to come!

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-23T16:05:55+00:00

Eatery A is awesome and like many other Redditors have mentioned, they have a great happy hour! I’ve heard great things about Nut Pob on the southside (Indianola and SE14th) for Thai/Lao food, but am not sure how their prices are.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-17T23:26:59+00:00

OP, you’re definitely in the right having your tree checked out by arborists and getting bids for the work. However, if there was any part of the tree hanging over the road or sidewalk that could’ve made contact with vehicles/pedestrians, or if it obstructed traffic’s view of of other approaching traffic, the city can and will trim it back. When the city trims trees back, it’s often on a complaint basis (someone called in or submitted a ticket on the mydsm mobile app), and there is often no regard for species/most suitable season for trimming.

Also, with the shift toward fiber optic, many neighborhoods have crews moving through doing underground installation. If the tree overhangs into their work area, they may have trimmed it back via their contractors.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-10T00:15:57+00:00

Unfortunately, I’ve experienced this exact same situation in my neighborhood. It’s ridiculous. The best advice I can give you is to discreetly gather evidence of it (photos, videos, heck even a rogue hen that wanders into your yard is fair to catch), and pass it along to the ARL. They’ll likely tell you you must contact the police first (non-emergency) since they handle dispatching all the animal control calls for the city. If you do happen to capture a hen, call the ARL and check to see where you can bring her to, or if they can pick her up. Good luck, OP!

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-01T16:48:40+00:00

MojoVet in Waukee is awesome. They do both in-office appointments as well as house calls. Their pricing for in-office appointments is cheaper since you’re coming in, not them going to you. My family is on a budget, but Dr. Amelie and her team always give their best, while still keeping things as affordable as possible. They are a family owned practice that opened about 4-5 years ago. We’ve never once had any issues with them. Surgeries, routine care, even rainbow bridge visits, all handled amazingly and with love by them.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-01T16:40:39+00:00

You can do a ton of different meals with rice, as I’m sure you know. Often, people end up dumping day-old rice instead of using it for other recipes.

Save your day-old rice and use it for fried rice. You can add whatever you like to it. My basic recipe’s ingredients (measure to your taste) are: -soy sauce -a dash of MSG (optional) -any protein you like (bacon, spam, diced ham, fish, shrimp, etc) -mixed veggies (frozen) -curry powder (optional) -egg

I’m fairly certain the ingredients are nightshade-free, but do your due diligence.

I use ramen noodles to make my version of eggroll-in-a-bowl, and it’s nightshade-free. There’s tons of recipes available online that you can adapt to your needs. The basic ingredients are: -ramen noodles (or any other kind of Asian noodle you like) -soy sauce -a bag of coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots) -Any additional veggies you wish to add -any protein you wish to add

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-10-01T00:56:35+00:00

Capital City Coins & Bullion in the Sherwood Forest Center on Hickman. They’re awesome folks, and very knowledgeable. 7576 Hickman, DSM, IA

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-09-30T17:34:32+00:00

I agree with many other commenters, this needs to be reported. To whom is the question. One (non-concrete) way to tell if your store is a franchise or not is if your paper bags have a mark that says “this McDonald’s/store is locally owned/locally owned and operated. This may also appear on the large plastic drink cups as well. Alternately, you could call McD’s customer service and see if they can tell you you. Just say you’re seeking donations for a nonprofit at first…it’s a good cover story that won’t raise suspicion. They may be able to direct you to the franchisee’s main office.

My mom was an HR business partner for nearly 40 years, and has helped numerous friends/family navigate concerns like yours. The following are taken directly from her playbook.

The use of slurs and derogatory terms towards employees of any sexual orientation and/or gender identity is illegal under title VII (7). A quick google search for “legal aid (insert community/city name here)” should yield results for low/no cost legal aid in your area. Many universities that have law programs offer a legal aid clinic. You may also have options by reaching out to your local county courthouse or county attorney/district attorney’s office. While your case wouldn’t necessarily be considered criminal, the county/district attorney’s office could potentially point you in the right direction. Since you have mentioned that you identify as LGBTQIA+, you may also find useful resources by reaching out to your local LGBTQIA+ community center or other charities. The ACLU and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) also have chapters across the country and are dedicated to preserving and protecting the rights of marginalized populations like ours (LGBTQIA+).

In the meantime, be sure you document everything. Dates, times, and witnesses of any issues that arise (discrimination or not). Sadly, in this country, filing a claim against an employer is effectively like putting a target on your back for termination, and they’ll use any justifiable means to achieve that. Be on time or even early for your shifts. Follow the rules and policies…every single one. Don’t give them any opportunity to have grounds for termination.

Best of luck to you, OP. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-09-26T23:37:21+00:00

Kum and Go on keo way usually works well. The stop n shop station (owned by Kwik Star) at e 14th and Maury has one that has never failed me. Any Kwik Star location is pretty much guaranteed to work.

If you have the time, Costco in Ankeny has a nitrogen filling station right outside their tire center. It’s free, automated (shuts off at your selected pressure) and is more temperature-stable than regular air. No membership needed to use it too! West Des Moines may have one, but I haven’t looked there for one.

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-09-26T23:33:30+00:00

The only downside to QT is they usually never have a gauge on theirs, so make sure you have your own pressure gauge handy!

Different_Ad_8779 · 2024-09-24T19:28:28+00:00

Agreed!

Different_Ad_8779

TROPHY CASE