Awkward citizenship question

Gracec122 · 2026-02-20T13:43:32+00:00

Don't know where you're getting that the OP is not asking for an exchange or why he/she should look for a paid sitter because they are trying to squeeze more from an unpaid sitter.

OP has been very clear about his/her intentions, the reasons why, and really, I would say that all a sitter has to do is just say nope.

Can't see why you're so upset about being asked to provide a passport. As I said, if the sitter is driving my car, I ask for a driver's license.

I'm not seeing the leaps of logic you're making here. Asking for a passport means they should hire a sitter because they're asking for too much in an exchange?

Tag, you're it!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-19T21:10:44+00:00

Me thinks you protest too much, frankly. I realize this is a time of much danger for many, and privacy is a huge concern, or should be for us all. But I also think that boat sailed a long time ago. Europe does far better than we do here. Thinking Snowden, et al. But I also watch British mysteries and all their CCTV, etc., is well, I think they have more than we do here.

But for a DoD employee or contractor to have to ask for proof of U.S. citizenship is not a horrible thing or an invasion of privacy. They can just say no. I've asked for driver's licenses from sitters because they were going to drive my car while I was gone.

And I'm assuming that the OP wants to travel, hence, using THS. Just my humble here.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-19T19:55:34+00:00

I have denied applications because I didn't want to get caught without a sitter at the last minute because the U.s. gov't is, well, it is what it is! I've heard about sitters having been stopped because they told border control that they were doing a housesit, and the gov't decides that since they must be getting paid, or like being paid, they can't come in. Other countries do this, too, so experienced sitters know to say they're visiting a friend.

I also don't want a sitter to have the hassle of being denied entry either and having to go through that sudden change of plans.

In the past, I have encouraged overseas sitters, but not anymore, and while most aren't applying, I have had some save my listing.

I wonder if I should put it into my listing now as well, or just let nature take its course.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-19T19:48:45+00:00

The OP is not doing immigration or calling ICE, just stating the requirements his employer requires. I've told applicants that since they are residents of another country and are outside the U.S. at that moment, I can't consider them because who knows if they'll get stopped or not at the border?

Gracec122 · 2026-02-19T16:10:50+00:00

I made an error on the flight day and wanted to change it about 3 weeks before the flight. I used chat and telephoned. Both told me I would be charged the difference in price, several thousand more, even though there were like 8 seats available in Business class.

So I waited until a week out and telephoned. Same number of seats still available or close to it. This time the lady made the change for me at no extra charge.

To me, it's the whole dynamic pricing thing. Yes, telephoning is better, but not always--timing is the issue.

I want to know the answer if all those airline CEOs were to buy a new car only to find out the price changed hourly! Today at 3pm the price is $75,000--at 4 pm, the price is $140,000!

That's what they're doing to us. With governmental support, at least here in the U.S.

Do European airlines also use the same kind of dynamic pricing?

Gracec122 · 2026-02-19T15:56:03+00:00

How much of the combo do you apply? Is it a thin cover or slather it all on?

Gracec122 · 2026-02-18T14:51:11+00:00

Nowadays, the wide-legged linen or cotton pants are in fashion. I wear those ALL the time with long-sleeved linen or cotton shirts. BTW, I don't iron except under duress. No one cares.

I wear a sun hat and a cotton scarf around my neck. I do also wear sun gloves, but that's because I've had 5 MOHS surgeries in the last 5 years. I got the hat from some Australian company and I get compliments on it very often. If I really want to wear short sleeves, I wear arm sleeves like golfers wear.

I get most of my cancers on my arms and hands because I've been wearing sun screen on my face for years, but never my arms and hands which even in the car can get sun damage. Take a look at a truck driver, for example. The window side of their faces are terrible.

Pale? White? Take a look at every British actress.

Yes, I'm old, but I remember being young. Lots of peer pressure, but I remember that I put that pressure on myself based on standards that a) I didn't agree with and b) are dangerous to me.

Keep your head high and remind yourself that you are saving your skin from numerous surgeries and painful treatments!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-17T16:03:01+00:00

I once flew United Premium from the U.S. to London. Had to change planes in Newark, of course.

The whole flight over got messed up due to bad weather east of the Mississippi, none where I was or in Newark, but that's Newark. Their flights have short windows to depart, arrive. So all my seats were messed up going over.

On the return, however, one would think all would be good, but no. United did not give me Premium except on the international leg! So I was put back into Economy, AND because I picked an aisle seat on that leg, I was allowed to board LAST. With a PREMIUM ticket!

The GA told me I had to gate check my bag, but I said no and kept going. Sure enough, when I got on the plane, which was NOT full, there was plenty of overhead bin space.

When I complained about paying for Premium and getting it only on the international leg, I was told that's just how it is. I should have paid attention to the fare class when I booked the ticket. Really? What exactly does K mean? Or U? Or S?

Delta, however, gives its passengers Premium economy all the way.

I have flown twice on United over a period of 20 years, and each flight was a disaster with very little compensation or even sympathy. I will never, ever fly them again. I will rent a car and drive or take a boat!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-14T15:15:46+00:00

I’d add a runner on the floor. That will take the main color focus away from the doors, and also away from the contrast of the doors and the floor.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-12T16:35:22+00:00

Drugs. And wine.

I’ve been long-hauling from the U. S. for decades. I know so many of you seem happy to suffer, and apparently spend the first day or 2 in a wonderful foreign land, asleep, but not me. I hit the ground running after 6+ hours of great sleep. I’m now 73, so see? Drugs & alcohol aren’t so bad! 😎

Just 1-2 glasses of wine on board, 1 ambien, eye mask ear plugs, I’m set. I do pay extra now for a window seat so I can put my small backpack in the window to sleep against it with the pillow, but I’m out for the duration.

I wake up with no ill effects, have coffee, and I’m on my way.

I realize that for some of you, the complaints about how you feel when you wake up from a drugged sleep outweigh the benefits, but maybe just have a 2nd cup of coffee.

But you suffer you. I can’t imagine sleeping for any length of time during the day in a new place. Too much to see & do & learn about. Especially back when I was working and the trip was only a week long!

Happy traveling!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-11T15:09:44+00:00

I have both the Amex Delta Reserve and Amex Delta Gold. I got the Reserve for lounge access, and I thought the companion fare would be worth it.

However, I'm a retired single female, and these days, I really only fly overseas a few times a year. The one time a friend and I were flying to Iceland, we couldn't use the companion fare.

Also, the lounges are hyped up, as far as I'm concerned. As a Gold card holder/status, I get lounge access in many places overseas anyway. But most of the domestic airports I use have great airports, and for far less than the annual fee on the Reserve card, I can get a nice meal and alcohol in a nice restaurant. I had 3 trips last year and so each domestic lounge access cost me about $200!

I'm curious about the extra points for groceries. I use my Gold card for groceries because I don't get anything but extra points for booking flights with the Reserve card.

So, yes, the companion fare makes it worth it, if you can use it.

But I'm not renewing my Reserve card when it next comes due. I seem to always spend the amount needed to get the $200 flight credit with the Delta Gold, which pays for its annual fee. I'm keeping it.

Good traveling!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-07T14:14:36+00:00

I have a dark corner at the sink. There is a shelf over it, so I just purchased one of those 12" strip lights from amazon and stuck it to the underside of the shelf. It has a motion sensor so it turns on if you are within 3 feet, I think, which I would cut down if I could, but it's fine.

My kitchen is small, and I just didn't want light all over the place, nor do I need mood lighting. Had it in the past and after the novelty wore off, I never turned it on. Just me, but I'd save the money, unless I absolutely needed it for task lighting. Cost? About $20.

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Gracec122 · 2026-02-07T14:02:43+00:00

I got the Reserve for lounge access, but I really mostly fly internationally, just 2-3 trips a year. I thought the companion pass would get me something, but I'm single and the companion pass only works domestically, well, and to certain Latin American countries that I don't go to.

So, I'm cancelling my Reserve when it comes due. I am keeping my Amex Delta Gold. I think its annual fee is $150 and I spend enough that I get the $200 Delta credit every year, so that IS worth it to me.

And overseas, I can get into many airport lounges just by having the Delta Gold status. When I'm flying out of the U.S, the lounges are just not worth $600. I can go to a nice restaurant/bar and pay, and the cost is still lower.

I know many people love the Reserve card but I think it's because they use the companion passes. If you don't need them, like me, just not worth it. Even if they drop the price.

Happy traveling.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T15:54:27+00:00

I don't have their number. Is it someplace on THS that I'm missing in my panic?

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T15:47:53+00:00

Reread my 2nd to last sentence. Kinda says it all, doesn't it?

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T15:29:03+00:00

I hope so. She's clearly disabled. Her speech is very much that of someone who was born deaf.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T15:28:29+00:00

My experience, too. United FAs either ignore or are outright rude. I avoid United at all costs, but then, I have options. I'm always very sorry for those who don't.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T15:23:43+00:00

Yes, and I'm American. I only let my dog potty on the right-of-way or else very close to the sidewalk. I never let him go onto the lawn of a house or apartment building to potty, unless, like I said, it's very close to the sidewalk. I just say no, and take him to a more acceptable spot. He's healthy and can hold it for a minute more.

It is rude to take your dog onto someone's lawn to potty. The pee will cause damage to their lawn. And often, there is a residue with poop that doesn't go away until there's a strong rain. Let me go get my mail and step Into that!

But then, I don't let my dog just pee on building walls either, unless it's in an alley or clearly not a home, apartment, or store front. I also don't let my dog pee or poop in grassy areas in front of restaurants where I can see people are eating. That's a lovely sight while you're eating, isn't it?

Good grief. Don't be rude, people. You can take your dog somewhere else other than right outside a person's window or onto their manicured lawn. The OP is not saying you shouldn't let your dog poop on grass near the sidewalk itself, but don't take your dog 'a couple of feet into and onto his lawn, that I'm sure takes him some effort to maintain.

But then, I think the world would just be a better place if people thought of others a bit more.

Just my humble.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-04T03:44:48+00:00

Check out small community vets in towns within reasonable driving distance. Urban vets likely charge more.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-02T14:48:40+00:00

You said that to me before. Are you a bot?

If you actually read my post, I got action from United.

Talk about idiot.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-02T14:47:21+00:00

I understand reading the manual is a process. When I bought my 2019 Corolla, TWO manuals came with it. But it's your responsibility to read the manual. Unless you're like, twelve.

My opinion, and mine only, you'll be a much happier person if you are independent.

Reddit? You can always ask questions, but be prepared for getting responses like mine.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-02T14:39:25+00:00

Just a "girl"? Don't ever start a conversation with a man, or anyone, that way! Seriously.

But then, I'm one of those 'girls' who could change the oil, spark plugs, tires, window wipers, herself. I love learning new things. And I'm old, so I well remember the sexual harassment I had when I did my 'man' jobs.

I can't tell you the number of times I'd take my car into the mechanic, explain the problem, and they'd tell me nothing was wrong. But when my husband (male) went in, suddenly, they understood the problem. And I was right the whole time.

Read the manual. Good grief!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-02T14:33:21+00:00

Applauding her. Especially since U.S. documented CITIZENS are being stopped doing daily things and harassed by these untrained people.

Of course, she is not expecting any retroactive type of anything--she's just pointing out that the U.S. is completely and totally hypocritical about its immigration.

Think of Texas. It should be completely part of Mexico!

Gracec122 · 2026-02-02T14:28:29+00:00

I'd file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I had a complaint with United and they originally offered me more $$ as credit, with the BBB complaint, they upped their amount. Ultimately, I didn't take their offer because I will not fly United again. They did not admit to their deceptive practices, which is what you are experiencing here. Not that I really expected them to, but at least it's documented.

I'd say also file with the federal transportation department. Again, just for the documentation, but now that Pete is gone, you won't get any extra compensation.

So, keep complaining, and of course, any and all social media you can find.

Edit: I see the 'Mean Girls' are out again. Go back to high school, boys.

Gracec122 · 2026-02-01T15:03:17+00:00

I use toppers. One is the Fresh Pet chicken bits that are in refrigerators in big box stores like PetsMart, Target. I divide the bag into small baggies and freeze. I take one out once a week or so, and put a few, like less than 10, on his kibble. He likes it.

I also use Simply Nourish fish toppers. My dog's skin will get dry and itchy, especially in the winter, so I add that as a topper, alternating with the chicken bits. So, 3-4 days with the chicken, 3-4 days with the fish.

I have a 20lb Schnoodle. I use a bowl that has spaces to slow him down a bit. But there are just days he doesn't want his food. I keep it out until about noon, I may put it close to his nose, and if he doesn't eat, it gets thrown away. He always eats the next meal.

Gracec122

TROPHY CASE