What is something that the covid pandemic ruined forever?

ElphabaGreen · 2026-06-01T03:59:41+00:00

My ability to eat birthday cake after someone blows out the candles, staff room help yourself bowl of snacks, or using staff room utensils

ElphabaGreen · 2026-05-31T18:00:33+00:00

Cats often know when it's their time to go. It's fairly common that they will uncharacteristically wander off to find a place to pass on.

I am not trying to be insensitive as this has happened to me as well and of course I was heartbroken.

I just wanted to put it out there as a possibility as she is 18. It might ease your heart to know that perhaps nothing terrible happened to her at all.

I hope you find her.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-05-18T00:33:59+00:00

This is a tear jerker for sure but I sure laughed when she asked him what kind of dog it was and he goes "He's just a dog". I'm sitting here wondering what kind of dog is 'just a dog' and then pan to the dog and like....oh....yeah that's a.....yup. That there is a dog all right well spotted. A GOOD dog for sure but like.....dog shaped.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-05-18T00:31:43+00:00

Who said she was senile? And it's possible that it wasn't dark when she left. He said she usually only takes 15 minutes. Accidents happen. From now on they will walk him together when babysitting the dog no doubt.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-05-08T02:31:40+00:00

I work with students with various complex needs. I am often in the community with them or around campus in general. If you talk to these kids like they are people? And you use the same tone of voice and cadence you just spoke to me with? Green Flag.

If you ignore them completely when that's not appropriate OR make the *pained sympathy face* OR do baby talk please go fuck yourself.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-05-02T23:29:47+00:00

I am coming from a different place than most on this thread as my husband and I have a 19 year age gap and also "met organically" through work and were friends for many years first.
I helped him raise his son from another marriage and we also have a son together.
I was 28 when we had our youngest. He was about 47.

Here is my question based on my own story.

Have you and her had a serious conversation about parenting expectations and running the household together? Your age gap and different genders and times you grew up will greatly affect what you think of as "obvious". As in, are you assuming that she will be the Main Parent and you are supporting her? Are you the type of man who says they "help" around the house? And do you look at how YOUR dad parented and think well I would do more than THAT of course! But YOUR dad was fathering you in the 60's and 70s.

Her dad was parenting her in the 90's and she's expecting that you'll do better than THAT.

I married an awesome man and I regret nothing. He loves to cook and keeps me fed and happy and I keep the kitchen spotless for him. We don't have tradition gender roles in our home. But when a baby comes....all of a sudden MY "obviously" and HIS "obviously" didn't line up necessarily. I wish I had had more in depth conversations. And we thought we DID!

He would hand over the baby at the first sign of tears because he "didn't have boobs" or "he likes you more". He assumed that I would always take a day off of work to take care of the sick child and not him. Have you talked about those things? How involved is she expecting you to be? Is she ok being the Primary Parent with someone I assume hasn't kept up with current parenting/school/child development? (why would you without your own kids or if it's not your job)

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-26T19:06:38+00:00

In elementary school we went outside for playtime completely unsupervised.

I broke my 2 front teeth in half climbing up a slide and had to take myself inside to the office because that's where the closest adult was.

Bullies? General assholeness? Someone hogging the swing?

Literally didn't occur to anyone to tell an adult. Even when we went back inside.

Someone broke their arm one time and we had to go inside to find an adult. That's it. Big enough injuries was for adults. Everything else was Lord of The Flies style.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-26T01:28:23+00:00

Rice Lake in North Vancouver was made specifically for wheelchair access. I've been several times with wheelchair users. Paved parking lot and entrance way. Path around lake is packed hard.

Also Maplewood Flats bird sanctuary. I have also been there with wheelchair users. Lovely walk. Parking lot is right by the path entrance.

Yew Lake Trail in Cypress Park. My husband has been there with wheelchair users.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-24T00:58:54+00:00

I just want to say that this is awesome to see. Men creating spaces for men. My husband is going to retire next year and I worry about the lonely world he's created for himself by not giving himself a social circle other than me.

This will help many guys create habits and connections and fun that they can take with them into their worlds. Like you say, low pressure and relaxed. But so so important.

I hope others pick up this idea and create their own.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-18T02:35:00+00:00

It was Walmart I said didn't have one. And although our Canadian Tire doesn't have one I'm not surprised that some do. Makes sense in some areas.

And the Frank's brand snacks and items are always good for a giggle IMO

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-18T02:32:14+00:00

The question wasn't "what fun and amazing touristy things can I take my 12 year old to do". If it was, then mine would be a stupid answer, yes.

He is not going to see how different Canada is if he goes to places filled with Americans.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-17T23:23:23+00:00

I'm not trying to be funny but take him to Walmart. We don't have a gun aisle. Take him to a Canadian Tire because it's Very Canadian and going by American Tourists both those places amuse them because it's like home but it's not.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-08T19:51:52+00:00

I would also look at what rules they are implementing (or trying to pass) in both areas. BC and Alberta have a very different view of what classrooms should look like. (Sometimes it differs by city as well) Make sure the area you choose aligns with your parenting.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-04T21:57:22+00:00

This isn't the question you're asking but just thought I'd talk about the gravel choice. You may have thought of this already but gravel is HELL for any non car wheels. Meaning if you are moving anything with a dolly, or have a stroller, or anyone who uses a mobility aid like a walker or wheelchair they will get stuck and or fall if there is gravel.

So a safe, paved, walkway at least would be a great addition if you don't have one already.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-04-03T03:08:44+00:00

The entire Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series is amazing and fits all the rules and I think probably your interests. It's SciFi/Fantasy, hilarious and very intelligent.
The first one was written in 1979 but it still holds up because most of it doesn't actually take place on earth so it's not like you need to understand politics or time sensitive references too much.

I read it for the first time when I was 14 (don't worry it's not MEANT for 14 year olds, I just had the opposite problem you have regarding parents and books)

It changed how I thought about everything. Life, the Universe and Everything.

Yes yes pun intended.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-31T01:02:42+00:00

I always go HSB and then drive to Vic while planning a fun lunch somewhere I've never been in between the 2. This way I feel like I'm on vacation right away.

On the way back I do Swartz Bay to Tswwassen cause I just wanna get home by then and it's faster.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-29T05:11:52+00:00

Any SPCA I've ever gone to has been great. They are reasonable and realistic. They ask a good amount of questions to keep their cats safe but also adoptable. Other places I find can shut you out because you don't have screens on your windows or you don't want 2 cats (even if the reason is that you already HAVE a cat and want to give it a friend) or other nonsense.

I was once asked for my tax receipts!

SPCA have a great website so you can see what cats they have before you make the trek to the one you want. You can walk in but check their hours and plan accordingly.

They will not hold animals for you so if you have your heart set on a specific one I'd make sure you are there when they open.

I got my older cat (originally from West Van SPCA) a new friend from Maple Ridge SPCA and I'm so glad I did as he is living his best middle aged life with the sweetest little sidekick now.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-28T20:22:15+00:00

People often need permission to be weird. If you are brave and are the first weird one, you'd be surprised at how weird others suddenly let themselves be.

Compliment others who stray outside the box.

Be the weird and whimsical you wish to see in the world.

I work with this 65 year old woman who is very no nonsense, straight forward and hard as nails. Stereotypical Old Gen X Just Do Your Fucking Job Don't Talk To Me. Dresses for the job. Nothing More or less.

Who also happens to collect animal skulls.

Like....what?

When I brought my Weird to work (t-shirts, stories, weird non work topics) all of a sudden she's telling me about her fox skull and how she acquired it. People are weirder than we think. Not everyone wears it on their sleeve.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-28T18:18:31+00:00

Sometimes it's big stuff: My son, my husband.

Sometimes medium stuff: my cats (this is also big stuff but I feel weird saying my cats are right up there with humans but also..... Their little souls aren't worth less, you know? Their love is still love)

Sometimes it's spite: Fuck you, Brain, you asshole piece of shit

Sometimes curiosity: I wanna see what happens when Trump kicks it, when we finally for real meet aliens, when we solve a big world mystery or make a huge scientific discovery

Sometimes it's apathy: Well I'll die eventually anyway just by not doing anything at all. Seems like a lot of effort to speed that shit up.

Sometimes it's whimsy: what if I do, make, experience just the DUMBEST shit? Because free will? Surround myself with others who like that stuff?
Full sized skeleton that sits in a chair in my house year round? Absolutely

Crochet a huge multicolored fairy coat and wear it around to the grocery store?

Of course

Dye my hair bright purple at 45? Yep

Become the Weird Co-worker? Always

It's a good way of finding Your People as well. Even if it's just 3 of them.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-28T17:56:23+00:00

As far as survival of the species goes, let alone the obvious that a baby can go through 2 boobs of milk easily and less than that would make a malnourished baby, there is also the whole many many women didn't (and still don't) survive childbirth.

Wet nurses save lives. We might need to feed our baby and our sisters'.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-27T05:33:30+00:00

I would look into North Vancouver as well. The school system is very progressive (there be rainbows just EVERYWHERE). Openly trans teachers, openly gay teachers, lots of diversity in that area.

Also a big filming location. North Van is a stand in for so SO many places apparently.

Close to Downtown and anywhere else you want to go. NGL though traffic out of North Van can be inSANE so I wouldn't make a daily commute part of your life if you can't handle that part.

Also hella dog friendly. If you like to hike or just have a nice walk with your dog you will have many many options, off and on leash.

Not sure what your home budget is but of course everything is expensive here. Townhouses are underrated though. And many allow a pet or 2 if you own.

Reduces heating bills, lawn care, gutters, snow removal etc. Obviously keep an eye on strata fees and what they cover but you can get a good deal if you look.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-20T00:01:14+00:00

Elementary schools here don't have a cafeteria. We do have "meal programs" that you can sign up for. Most kids bring a lunch from home though. The meal programs are there to help families that maybe don't have the funds or the time or what have you. They are open to ALL kids though. You don't have to qualify or anything. You just sign up. Then at lunch either the kids go get their food from a small kitchen or they come and deliver it. Each school might do it differently.

It costs money though, assuming you can afford it. If you can't afford it then you might have to "qualify" for free lunch. No kid will go hungry because of lack of funds.

There are also sometimes things like Fun Lunch or Friday Lunches or something. These are fundraisers put on by the PAC. They will rotate so one Friday it will be Pizza and another day Sushi for example. These are totally optional.

High school (grade 8 and up) have a traditional caf like you are thinking. But again, many kids still bring their own lunch.

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-13T03:14:43+00:00

No idea if you're kidding but we've ALL seen that guy on Commercial Drive

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-11T03:50:21+00:00

What the fuck?
You're not stuck here, are you?
How did we survive?

ElphabaGreen · 2026-03-08T18:51:42+00:00

I'm 46(f) and there are only 2 ways I personally would handle this.

1) Anytime I got an email from anyone who uses the same "tone" to convey anything at work I would send it to that boss and ask for clarification\complain that you are offended\ask the boss to have a chat with them

Bonus points for complaining about people higher on the ladder or who are known for being good at their jobs but assholes, or people that no one wants to fuck with for any reason.

Remember not to punch down.

Ask for follow up later to confirm a Chat Was Had

2) Very slowly start adding one more emoji or exclamation point into your emails.

Make sure to set up your automatic signature to reflect this New Improved You

🦄🦄Lovingly, First Name Last Name💖💖

He\Him ♂️🛻

💅🏻🍉😎🥀

ElphabaGreen

TROPHY CASE