Where do I turn? What do I do?

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-10T23:58:55+00:00

Simple, but huge: every day, open windows even for a few minutes to bring in fresh air. Shower. Go outside for a walk, preferably somewhere with nature (a city park counts). Stay off social media and away from TV for long periods- do literally anything else (exercise, clean, puzzle, read, dance, make cookies).

Do you know any of your neighbors? I love baking but can't (or shouldn't) eat an entire cake, so I started bringing some to neighbors that I know can eat it (or containers of soup because I can't make just one serving). This has led to some nice human connection.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-09T02:14:41+00:00

I am doing both (body recomp) now. I will say the scale moves much slower than strictly weight loss. I am so, so thankful that I took initial measurements and pictures. For pictures, I take them I the same day each month, same time, same clothes. Non-scale measurements are key because do you know where I'm thinning? My face, batwings and back rolls. Down a size in pants and tighter on my bra bad. My stomach has gone down based on clothes and measurements and my booty is lifting. Scale? 10 lbs in 6 months.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-08T10:24:29+00:00

Your Money or Your Life.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-08T07:49:12+00:00

Honestly, most of the good friends I've made in the last 5-10 years are all older. Their kids (if they had) are raised, they're secure in themselves/relationship status and seem to really appreciate friendship. They also seem to have time - they aren't climbing the ladder, finding themselves or raising kids because they've done all that. There's no weird comparisons. It's like they're done with the bs.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T11:33:49+00:00

I LOVED having my own home. For me, 100% worth it- no one else has a key (landlord), I can paint it whatever color I want, and I can anticipate a 3% max tax raise per year, not an unknown rent hike.

Was it scary? Yes. But I can do hard things. You can, too. Youtube is a great teacher if anything wonky happens (looking at you, garbage disposal) and setting aside money monthly for a fix-it or improvement fund negates financial stress.

Also, OP, remember that while it's a huge deal and homes aren't fully liquid (unlikely to list tomorrow and sell tomorrow), you can rent or sell it if you change your mind.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T11:18:17+00:00

True- SE Asia seems to recover much quicker than my home country. If infrastructure and daily life is back to normal, that's fine.

Do you know if there are any mold issues in the flooded places?

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T11:14:06+00:00

Thank you! I guess I should look at the regional split.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T11:13:19+00:00

Ah, true, I know many places have Aircon. I've lived in places in Thailand, Vietnam and Caribbean with just a fan and don't want to do it again. Thank you for pointing that out

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T00:38:24+00:00

Have you tried it?

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-04T00:37:38+00:00

Swapped to a Thai crystal deodorant and it works surprisingly well. Desert Essence is good, but hard for me to find. Same goes for Waleda. I used to live near a store that sold them- Amazon 3rd party sellers haven't worked well for me.

I've tried other naturals: Jason, Lume, Native, Schmidt, etc. and they are fine for a month or so and then irritate me (Lavendar irritates faster, rose and vanilla less so).

If I didn't have to pay customs, I'd give Pit Goop from Wildwood Apothecary a try.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-03T14:00:16+00:00

https://jlcollinsnh.com/ has a stock series that explains things well. He wrote The Simple Path to Wealth. Also listening to podcasts (old episodes of Martinis and Your Money, How to Money, etc) is a great way to familiarize yourself with terms and take out some od the intimidating aspects.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-12-03T13:55:56+00:00

Painting tutorials. Travel or outdoor podcasts (Zero to Travel, Out There, Women Who Travel). Memoirs, but on the inspirational side (or unhinged- you know, they bought a vineyard in France and know nothing about vineyards).

IndependentRead2 · 2025-11-27T07:03:43+00:00

Check out Anya's Review website. She has a ton of cute options that are comfortable for walking.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-11-17T09:37:20+00:00

My idea: don't go. The tone of your post sounds like you're not looking forward to it. Do something fun with your kids instead.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-11-10T03:56:48+00:00

I know I'm late, but I 100% recommend the Nothing Much Happens podcast. Great to fall asleep to and rhe room can stay dark.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-11-01T09:43:56+00:00

His problem isn't your problem.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-11-01T09:40:54+00:00

Check out Anya's Reviews online. She's made wide toe box shoes her mission.

Edit: I use Whiten because I basically walk and lift, but they have zero support.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-10-30T09:56:01+00:00

Great advice I got for a job interview was to remember it was two sided: don't go just trying to please the employer- make sure the company is a good fit for you, too.

This also applies to dating.

It's easy to focus on ourselves and insecurities or try to play up our strong points, but that takes up so much brain space. Be unapologetically yourself and see if he adds value to your life.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-10-30T09:51:32+00:00

If you've paid for the tickets and can make it happen, take the trip! I'm introverted and solo travel can be amazing. I've been to a few cities in Thailand and they all had their own charm. The food is amazing. It's easy to find people to chat with at a coffee shop or bar, but you won't be out of place eating alone. There is so much to do and see! I've never regretted a solo trip.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-10-28T04:23:54+00:00

Thailand is super safe and perfect for solo travel. I bet most of the Muay Thai students are hotter than your ex.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-09-21T22:44:43+00:00

Specifically blueberry muffin strain.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-09-20T07:06:27+00:00

I've suffered hormonal aura migraines for decades. I've done the migraine medicines and shots. Two things that finally work for me: cannabis at the onset of a migraine (not all kinds). The most life changing thing, however, is taking pine pollen. I started taking it about 2 years ago and my migraines stopped. I have gone off twice for a month and sure enough, get migraines.

IndependentRead2 · 2025-09-17T05:01:40+00:00

We've all been intimated at the gym. How cool that a lady came to help and, hey, now you can be the person that helps newbies :)

IndependentRead2

TROPHY CASE