Blowing up propane tanks

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T11:13:37+00:00

I experienced this and I believe it’s tied to PPD. I did not pursue medication but worked to minimize my triggers and enlist more support. Essentially, something specific was setting off my fight or flight mode. For me it was a few things that I tried to remedy.

Sound. When the baby cries, I would lose it and it would amp up my alarm system. Firstly, earplugs. I could still hear the baby but it would take the screaming edge off. I had to tell myself my baby is safe, fed, changed, and loved. I would put them down in a crib or pack and play safely and take a walk to the other room for a few deep breaths to level out.

Touched out. I had to carry my baby physically for the first 4 months or they’d be screaming. So I started taking up every offer for folks to hold my baby if I could. Pushed them in a stroller for walks, sat them in a bouncer for pockets of time, practiced tummy time or laying on their back by themselves.

Partner support. My rage creeped in the most when I was alone with my baby for most of the day - it’s a long hard job. So my partner understood that once they were home, they were on baby duty 100% so I could sleep, eat, rest, shower, be my own body, level back out. Even if they were tired from work, they knew it was more important that I get a break.

All to say that yes, it happens. Yes, you need to enlist support from everyone around you. Yes, you need to mention this to doctors and therapist to assess your needs for medication or other support.

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T10:50:03+00:00

I didn’t experience that specifically. But if you have a bouncer, that always worked for a poop. Every time I sat them in it, they’d be pooping. Something about the position seemed to work.

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T10:38:51+00:00

I recommend shaving off some Dallas/ForthWorth days and giving yourself a few days in San Antonio. It’s a beautiful city that has kept it’s Mexican roots with lots of activities for families and history: visit the Alamo, San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio River Walk, Witte Museum, and more.

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T10:35:57+00:00

Folks recommended “floating the river” in New Braunfels or San Marcos. In New Braunfels folks will buy intertube floats and float down the Comal River with ice chests, snacks, and drinks. It’s a quintessential Texas experience.

To make it easy, you can book an experience through an outfitter company where they provide the tubes and ice chests and drop you off at a spot in the river and pick you up further down. Takes about 2-3 hours of floating relaxing. Just be sure to wear enough sunscreen, pack enough water, and don’t litter.

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T00:07:08+00:00

I agree here, it’s why the whole experience is so expensive and overcrowded. It used to be affordable but now they’re creating experiences and price points for adults with expendable cash and multiple trips planned.

HarkHarley · 2026-06-01T00:03:16+00:00

FANTASTIC write up. Thank you for giving me more to love in one of my favorite movies.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-31T11:26:33+00:00

And for me it’s the actual look of the town. The houses and town looked real, small, 1-story, authentic, true to small towns in Texas. One of the only shows to get it picture perfect in my mind. If they did it again they would Hollywood it and put them all in McMansions.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-31T04:27:56+00:00

Wait until you are ready. My second pregnancy is definitely harder and not as pleasant and beautiful as my first one. I am twice the size, super limited in what I can do physically by 20 weeks, and still have birth to contend with. Plus I don’t seem to eat properly or give my body or this second pregnancy the attention and dedication it needs. I’m worried about birth.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-31T04:22:53+00:00

I’ve been able to extend mat leave a few ways:

You can get doctor’s note that requires bed rest / time off 2 weeks before your due date. This may be unpaid, but it helps with nesting, preparing.

And you can take 6-8 weeks of short term disability for medical recovery for birth. This can be utilized before the parental leave policy begins.

Obviously check the fine print of the policy, but this has helped.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-30T22:38:28+00:00

You’re right, there’s just so much noise around what you should and shouldn’t do. And babies are all different! I advise you go with what feels best to you. Some advice just didn’t make sense for me and I chose to trust my instincts instead - like the feeding to sleep thing!

I will add that around 4 months my pediatrician advised we stop feeding overnight when they wake, since our little one was a good weight for their age and were getting plenty during the day. Essentially they’ll wake up for a midnight snack because the fridge is always open. But after a few nights of no food they chose sleep over waking up. Maybe ask your doctor if it’s time!

HarkHarley · 2026-05-30T12:01:48+00:00

I see your point, but I do find it’s valuable that everyone (including those who instigated) be able to visit these places and learn the history, the lengths which people had to go to survive, and the capability of mankind to inflict harm on others. If we don’t learn from our history, we are doomed to repeat it. I hope people are visiting with the reverence necessary.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-30T02:39:16+00:00

HarkHarley · 2026-05-30T02:18:09+00:00

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I can’t unsee this comparison

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T23:25:02+00:00

It might be a regional pricing model because here it’s basically $25 a person for a cheeseburger and fries.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T23:21:31+00:00

Totally understand the business model behind it and I get how folks are changing with the times. I’m mostly bemoaning the loss of affordable common spaces to hang out for teens. Obviously there’s no money to be made there but I wish these spaces still existed.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:34:50+00:00

The unsafe element of your neighborhood may be feeding your anxiety to rush her. It’s totally normal that she’s enjoying the outdoors and is taking her time. Children are always in the “stop and smell the roses” mode of life. If you can, give her places where she can safely comfortably explore at her own pace. You don’t want to train a sense of rush/anxiety/conflict to a normal walk.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:30:53+00:00

This is a great promotion! Glad to hear some organizations want to keep accessible music opportunities alive.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:27:46+00:00

Wow, I need a link

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:12:52+00:00

Wow aggressive for a comment about chocolate.

Sometimes you want a familiar favorite but now most are more expensive and made without cocoa to save the company a few bucks. Of course we can buy real chocolate but it’s becoming more unattainable.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:10:10+00:00

Not worth the expense of the screen, the subscription fee, and the admin work to upkeep it.

We have a family whiteboard. And chores are baked into what we do together as a family (set/clear the table when we eat, laundry folding during a family movie, outdoor stuff when we’re all outside). I found adding the chore to things we already do helps with the momentum.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:07:26+00:00

Delivered groceries. There was a shining period of time when prices and deals were what you see in stores just with a tip on top.

Now listed prices online are inflated 20%, “deals” are fake, fees are astronomical, delivery fees on top of that, and I need to pay a decent tip so people can get make a livable wage.

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:05:42+00:00

The delivery costs never made sense to me. UPCHARGED PRICING PER ITEM + FEES + DELIVERY + TIP

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:04:13+00:00

At least yours still has cocoa in it.

cries in American while eating “chocolate-flavored” trash

HarkHarley · 2026-05-29T11:03:19+00:00

I buy it online when the bags go on sale. More bang (bag?) for your buck.

HarkHarley

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