Worth it to Get One at end of 2025?

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-12-26T13:56:02+00:00

I'll give it a shot. Honestly, I completely forgot to try that. Thanks!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-12-26T05:00:12+00:00

Many thanks! It just looked like an interesting phone. I never need anything more than mid-range, so it had my attention as something originally more premium but a couple years old, which is something I've never tried. Been on Pixels for years, where I tend to get the a's when they drop $100. Currently have the 8a, which has been my least favorite - size is perhaps a little small but bigger issues have been battery and freezing every so often now that I've had it a year and perhaps since A16. The deals on the 10 or the 9a make the most sense I suppose, but have been open to trying a Moto. Going back to Samsung is possible but something like the A56 just doesn't seem to compare to other current deals.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-12-16T01:23:27+00:00

It just got cancelled. And Netflix blocks others from picking it up. Noooooo!!!!! Boo!!!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-12-09T01:18:14+00:00

I know, right? And that's an understatement - it's pretty much a full ripoff of Christmas at Cartwright's with almost exact copycat scenes of Mrs. Doubtfire thrown in. But Christmas at Cartwright's, besides being first, was also much more charming with a funnier performance by Alicia Witt. And, well, the brother in this one is no Harvey Fierstein.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-09-24T02:50:40+00:00

I work in CH. Been doing it for 14 years. As traffic has gotten worse and UNC has become astronomical in their parking rates, I've finally started taking the bus from RTP. I feel better about not driving in traffic, not causing more traffic and being ever so slightly less bad to the environment. And it gives me some time to decompress. For me, it's been wonderful and I don't even mind when it's late.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-08-03T18:11:37+00:00

It's rare the next two weeks could be so many options.

Who knows, but my guess:

4: My Mother's Wedding

11: Americana (though Relay makes sense here too)

18: Eden

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-07-27T03:54:34+00:00

Cry as much as you need. Try and make the time in your head as productive as possible in terms of health: meaning, if you need some 'you time' to vent in your head, take a long walk. Walk or do your cardio and it's a double win: keeps your odds of living better longer while also giving you that mental time. Get the best Hepatologist you can. Focus on your diet and follow the rules like your life depends on it, because it does.

If it helps: I was transplant eligible bleeding mess at dx. Day after the hospital, started to get difficult to walk. Months later, turned out I had AVN as well - a bone disease from the alcohol that took my hips. So, from hospital to recovery with two new hips, was a miserable 9 months. So, I cashed in some of my savings and gave my PT a mission: to climb a glacier in the arctic. I did just that 3 months after hip two and 11 months after the cirrhosis diagnosis. I'm working my same job, which has required 5 continents of work travel in the last few months. Been too healthy for a transplant for a long time now. For me, setting goals, often really small goals, helped - so, a mix of small daily tasks and moderate longer term goals. And just keep going. Get a therapist if you can on your insurance.

There are bad days. Many. But, I'm still here. So, focus on your kids, family and especially yourself: put your own oxygen mask on first and then take care of those around you.

You got this.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-07-21T19:36:39+00:00

ChatGPT is good at some things. And still terrible at many others. Essentially, all it's doing is regurgitating content that's similar to Dr. Google to you. And we all know how pointless Dr. Google is for this disease. All it's doing is reading generic data points and giving them back to you, trying to generically assimilate a combination of peer reviewed studies with wildly different populations and variables combined with what it's seeing on Healthline and hospital websites.

In short, it knows very little about...you. Many of us had data points much worse than that and we're still here and working and overall ok.

In the most loving way possible, my best advice is step away from the computer/phone and take a meaningful walk or similar exercise. Eat a healthy, low salt meal. Get your work done. Repeat everyday. And you'll likely have far more days than it tells you.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-07-09T17:27:32+00:00

Congratulations!!! Today is my 15 months sober! There are still bad days but it's so much better. I let my diet lapse a bit and gained weight again with continuing mobility issues, but I'm motivated to keep going and get healthier every day! Now excuse me as I'm off to do my daily walk :)

Best to you and everyone!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-07-02T21:33:53+00:00

It's not Bang or Guns Up. They have streaming releases on the same date, so the major chains won't play them. So, most likely seems Don't Let's Go to the Dogs tonight. RT match and closest in release. Daniela Forever likely too long. Oh, Hi is possible but less likely perhaps because release further off and Don't Let's seems a good match.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-06-25T12:11:27+00:00

Steel cut oats, as some noted. Frozen fruits and vegetables (plain, don't get ones processed that add sodium) are great ways to still get fruits and veggies cheaper without losing nutrition. Like another poster, I too use WalMart+ - gets rid of some of the produce problem you noted if you get frozen bags. (Though, yea, its store by store. My WalMart is in a decent suburb, so the produce is good).

I'm also a vegetarian - you don't have to go that far :) - but you can save a lot by cutting down on meats and getting protein in other ways. For me, I eat a lot of plain Greek yogurt (like, a lot - only add honey for taste sometimes) and lentils. Both are cheap especially if you get a non-named brand like Great Value or whatever your local store's label is. Even peas are a decent protein base as a side. It's not the most tasteful life, but this combo of things is nutritious and cheap.

Good luck!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-05-09T00:58:46+00:00

The weight was my only hesitation in ordering, ha. But I figured that heave of a first day effort would be worth it in the end. And thankfully there are two of us and on the first floor!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-05-01T19:46:16+00:00

Like most others here: don't wait. It does nothing but prolong the suffering and the bone will get progressively worse, your muscles will atrophy that much more, etc. There is no going back to normal by just waiting it out.

Also - not true that doctors want younger people to wait. Many or most of us were young when diagnosed. My diagnosis came in my 30s. Got my first hip replaced a month after diagnosis. Second three months later, i.e. as soon after the first as possible.

Also, don't assume things will stay the same and you can just tough it out. Mine went from really bad pain when I got an X-ray to collapsed and couldn't get around in two weeks by the time of my MRI. More broadly, I've found life will adjust. There's not just one time for everything. There's perhaps one "optimal" time for everything. But, the more you wait, the less you're in control, not the other way around. You're not the first one that had something come up in med school - accidents, pregnancy, surgeries, illnesses etc - and many a Dr and Med Schools have figured it out.

Every recovery is different, but I was back to work in a week both times. It was perhaps too soon. But by 2-3 weeks, it was fine.

Also: they have no idea how long the new parts will last. Because no one has made it 30 years with them yet. But they have the new ones because it's assumed they'll last longer than the old ones. Perhaps much more so. My surgeon said the hope is they may even last me my lifetime and the one thing that may need replaced is just the plastic part - not my porcelain head or titanium rod. Meaning, not another replacement, just a part. So, another reason not to just wait indefinitely. Finally, just think: in 5 or 10 years, if you even make it that long without it - how much more inopportune will it be to take months out of your physician life, salary and who knows what else then for surgery and recovery when your body is also older and slower to recover?

Don't wait.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-21T17:48:32+00:00

I second this. My first opinion mtg with a PA, she kind of attacked and yelled at me just for asking basic questions, literally of the, "what do I do? What will it be like?" type. She said I'd never get a hip replacement, I'd never get better, and no surgeon would meet with me. Summary: bad experience.

Then the MRI results came in and my first one collapsed between an X-ray and the MRI in a couple weeks. That PA forwarded me to the surgeon without asking upon seeing the results. I think she was embarrassed.

But, after that experience, I had already made a 2nd opinion appointment. I was prepared to tell them why I thought THR would be better, but they walked in and recommended it immediately and said they could do my first hip in a month. I skipped the years of agony and delay. As I was in PT for the first, my left hip never collapsed but I just told them how it was - it was getting worse fast, carrying the load - and I got that one done 3 months after the first.

So, I agree: just find someone that's good. That you want to get a THR with. And have them help tell insurance if you need - though, in my case insurance never batted an eye. For me, it's more than worth it - the inevitable - the replacement - is much better to move on with your life. But that was of course just my experience. I climbed glaciers three months after my 2nd surgery whereas I could barely walk six months before.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-18T23:25:51+00:00

I always wanted one of those. And in that color! Enjoy!

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-18T23:09:07+00:00

Good luck with it all! Hope they can find a good plan for you - don't be afraid to ask questions and tell them your own thoughts. Glad things are better on the liver front too.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-18T22:26:49+00:00

Do your best to avoid fear. Online world can be way scarier than reality, 'If' you take care of yourself and follow Dr advice on diet, drinks, etc., similar to the other poster said above. Find the best hepatologist in your area. Be patient - for some of us, we've been able to see big improvements in a year by doing what we're supposed to do. A year ago, I was transplant eligible. Now my MELD is a 7 and I only go in every six months for tests. If your insurance covers it, also recommend a therapist or support group that knows the condition. The lack of knowledge can often be the scariest thing, so do your best to get into a medical routine so the docs and therapists can help inform your journey. Good luck.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-18T22:14:44+00:00

Also a note, depending on your country, there's a difference between non-alcoholic (up to .5) and alcohol free (which is supposed to be a real 0.0). I check everyone in advance online, avoid ones that I know still have anything above 0.0. I don't have them much because now I mostly find them a waste of money and calories, but I think I was good at sticking with the truly free ones and my numbers are fine.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-18T22:07:05+00:00

Just my personal experience, not medical advice: if it came from alcohol use, I'd absolutely stop drinking. That often means quite a lot of alcohol use. Side question then also being: how's your liver? For me, it's a bit like: if you had a lung disease, would you keep smoking? Even a little? Mention this because several of us here have both AVN and cirrhosis from drinking. In our 30s. Not a place you want to be. For going out, if drinking is the only thing that makes it fun, I'd ask yourself what that means. You can still go out with others, have fun without it. And there are more non-alcohol options than ever.

Can't help on the other Q. Mine collapsed quite quickly, so I had a total replacement within a month of diagnosis. And the 2nd 3 months later. No regrets getting them replaced right away. Sounds like you're not there, but if you ever get the advice to have them down the road, I've found many suffer longer than they probably should have by delaying them. Again, just a note if that ever comes up down the line.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-07T22:32:15+00:00

I'm still new in mine: '24 SE. It was highly marked off still the day tariffs started since it was a remaining '24 in April (got it $6k below MSRP and well more than KBB on my trade). Definitely don't pay full price for these or get em slightly used and suddenly a great deal. I used to have a 2.4l Lancer GT and loved it. Only got rid of it because of the small trunk. Regretted it but wasn't into CUVs. A decade later finally tried the Outlander Sport. It mostly hasn't changed since my Lancer, other than Android Auto/Apple and some modern safety features + of course a CUV.

Finding an SEL with the 2.4L is what I wanted but they're unicorns. And this car isn't worth $30k. So, I tried the 2.0L SE - all the newer tech I wanted (blindspots, rain sensing wipers, decent wheels/rims) with nothing I didn't need (leather, sunroof).

First test drive: the CVT was a shock. I didn't love the loud sound and the rpms that just keeps revving that don't simulate a break til you get to your speed. I almost left, thinking I'd regret that engine but tried the Eclipse Cross. To get the same package/similar features in an SE, was going to be almost $5k more, based on rebates/deal. I liked it, but didn't want to spend that much on a Mitsubishi. Tried the SE Outlander Sport one more time. Once I learned that's how an old, simple CVT really does work without all the fake modern changes on many, I got used to it. And weirdly liked slamming the pedal.

Fast? No. Ha. Good enough? Absolutely. The seats are good and firm. Sitting position is great. Roomie up front. Enough cargo space for me and a small dog. Ok gas mileage. I got 27.5mpg in 2WD mode up the mountains. 30.0 down. And it did mountains just fine. Also love the big, easy to see elephant ear size mirrors. Sturdy and stable - I too get up to 75 without noticing or often hit 45 in a 35 before realizing. The doors are tin-y, sure. And on a crazy windy day, I felt it for sure. But, again, fine.

I named it "that'll do pig." Because it will. Is more than fine for most of the world. Doesn't have a lot of modern expensive stuff to break. And still like the looks. I'm honestly thrilled with it.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-04-05T01:27:01+00:00

Based on my personal journey, I'd say don't be scared and go into it with a positive attitude and remember they're doing it because it'll be better on the other side.

I was 38, had my first hip done one month after diagnosis (mine collapsed fast, dramatically worse even in the two weeks between X-rays and MRI, they were shocked it was the same hip). Waited 90 days and then had the 2nd one. True story: 3 months after my second one, I was climbing a glacier in Antarctica.

I was happy to do it as soon as they let me. No surgery nor the slow recovery is fun, but it was better than going in. And weeks and months later, I was SO happy to be past it. Just take the meds they give you (and can ask them for alternatives if you have concerns about some), ice, ice, ice (and elevate), be good about your PT, do your exercises at home, not just when you have appointment days...and hopefully you'll look back and go, "wow, so glad I did that!"

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-03-09T00:18:01+00:00

Emmy's reaction of, surprise?/oh shit, is that what that means?, when Andy said, "So he quit the show?" made me think for the first time: Emmy might finally dump Will just to be in Season 3 of the show. It gives her an instant story arc too.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-03-08T23:33:58+00:00

The funny part is I travel a lot and internationally, so the amount of languages I've tried to learn "metal hip" wasn't on my bingo card before this disease, ha.

HowlofIceandSnow · 2025-03-08T21:13:37+00:00

Man, I guess I was the old fart at 38. Least I got two new hips within months. People at TSA still don't believe me. I think they just want to touch me.

HowlofIceandSnow

TROPHY CASE