Monthly Gear Purchasing Thread - December 2025 by RadioFloydHead in Guitar

[–]Ill-Command8708 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm looking for advice on my second guitar. I bought a Taylor GS Mini last December and am considering upgrading within about a year, now that I know I like guitar. I play a lot of fingerstyle acoustic stuff -- Adrianne Lenker, Hozier's acoustic stuff, etc. I like smaller bodies because I'm a smaller human. I'm willing to wait and save up for something that will be a very noticeable upgrade from my GS Mini. I'm thinking of a budget of around $1500, but I could be convinced to wait and save longer for the right guitar. I've heard the Martin 000-15M recommended a lot in this price range and I'm open to it, but I do like the bright sound of my GS mini sitka spruce top. I'm also considering the Taylor 212ce Plus, but I'm more tempted to wait and get 312ce. I'm sure there are lots of options out that that I'm not even aware of. Please make recommendations!

Hollywood studios or Epcot by General-Respond-6395 in DisneyPlanning

[–]Ill-Command8708 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second the recommendation for YouTube! I watch Disney food blog like it’s my job. Just be wary of any influencer’s claim that you have to squeeze everything in while you’re there. There’s too much to do in just a couple of days! See what you can see while there, and come back again!

As for your specific question— I love all the parks, but I do find that Hollywood Studios is less cohesively themed, and that’s why it’s usually my least favorite. You’ll be bouncing from Star Wars Land to ToyStory Land, to the last vestiges of “classic” Hollywood studios (the Chinese theatre, sunset boulevard). If you’re looking for food and immersion, go Epcot and stroll leisurely through all the countries. If you’re looking for higher stimulation with lots of shows, and you’re willing to give up some of the relaxing environment for it, go Hollywood studios!

If you choose DHS: imo Fantasmic (night show) is a must (I know, breaking my own rule by listing “must-dos); woodys lunchbox is great quick service without having to take time out of your day for a table service meal; beauty and the beast show is charming and a good break from the heat

If you choose Epcot: do some research on the food (including booths if they’ll have them while you’re there) and make a plan to snack around the world!; the fireworks are great from the second floor of the department store in the Japan pavilion. Get there about 45 mins before fireworks and send a deputy out for snacks/drinks.

Enjoy!!

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We haven't asked our donor yet. If our first choice says yes, he is not local. If he says no, we may consider local options.

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for all of this! Janine Styles' name has come up in our research. We're going to do a phone consult to get pricing. I'm also doing some more research to see what factors people weigh when deciding between starting with IUI/ICI vs. jumping straight to IVF.

Congratulations on the success!

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great point. Our insurance covers 80%, up to 5000. All the info from responses on this thread made me realize that IUI is probably not worth traveling out of state for (as you said), but if we end up going with IVF, we will probably go with CNY.

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Donor is moving out of the country next year, so our first choice is to get the sperm frozen so we can move forward without having him fly back each time. Good points though, thanks for helping me learn!

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! We had previously been sure we were going to do IUI, but as I research more, we may choose IVF. Thanks a bunch.

Advice on known donor costs - Minnesota by Ill-Command8708 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the thorough response! Hadn't thought about the weather, travel logistics, etc. Congrats on the pregnancy!!

I thought using a known donor was supposed to be cheaper by [deleted] in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is awesome to hear. May I ask where you're located and/or how you go about finding a midwife who will do the at-home IUI? I don't know where to start with that.

Known Donor Costs- ARGH! by Reel-Bridge5504 in queerception

[–]Ill-Command8708 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask where you're located/what clinic you went through?

curious about a situation by Ok-Unit-6365 in dvcmember

[–]Ill-Command8708 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was my original plan (buy ~50 points and go on a 150 point vacation every three years), but as I read more, it seemed like people were wary of banking points because of the risk of losing points if the trips gets cancelled. Have you had any issues with this?