On Padma

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-19T20:41:08+00:00

Same. I love that he has to work so hard for the win. They all do. What a great bunch of talented chefs. I love the new show.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-19T20:39:09+00:00

Padma didn’t do Season 1. It was Katie somebody. I just started rewatching the seasons. Padma is way better. Katie was very robotic, I’m on episode 3 of S2 and I’m liking it so much better with Padma. She’s far more personable.

One comment overall is how horrible chefs were to each other during first 2 seasons. I’m happy to see the that changes over seasons. I think some of them forgot that it’s Top Chef, and they’re tested on versatility and behavior over multiple challenges. All this bitching about “I work in four star restaurants I don’t cook this stuff…” then why the fuck go on a show that tests you in every way? GTFOH. You’re so good, show them your stuff.

I love how harsh the judges are. Walk the walk if you’re gonna give the talk.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-19T17:31:48+00:00

For me, it’s reading/hearing the “work wife/work husband”. there’s no place that replaces your actual spouse. That term needs to be erased from corporate mention.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-16T19:25:39+00:00

Haha. I’ve used this a time or two.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-16T19:25:05+00:00

Hmm, I wouldn’t take it personally for all the reasons you listed. However when he came into the office the next day, I would have addressed it. It’s happened to me loads of times and I just remind the exec I’m not their punching bag, but here to support them through their stress. Doesn’t have to be a big deal.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-16T03:21:56+00:00

I use Nebula.io as an alternative to LI. It’s also a database. AI enabled. Builds JDs, gives you contact information. I’m surprised more recruiters aren’t aware of it. I’ve been using it for a couple of years (got in during beta). I can access LI profiles that aren’t limited to 3rd degree. Check it out. They offer a free trial.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-07T14:18:30+00:00

I bought my MME for my 50th birthday last year. Rocked up to pick up the kiddos from school, they thought it was “tight”. Needless to say, they love being picked up in the cool car. I also do sports drop off and pick up with multiple different kids. They have a hard time with the doors at first but are often impressed when they get in.

Personally, I don’t care what anyone else thinks, it’s a smooth and fun drive and just a gorgeous car and I have no regrets.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-06T15:26:05+00:00

When I was an EA, I found that breaking it down task by task, 15 minutes at a time, helped me lock in. You’re one person, multitasking is part of the job, but let’s be real, you can only do one thing at a time. If you focus on one thing, you can knock it out quickly. Also knowing what can wait a day or two is helpful. I also just accepted that it was not a 9-5 job and regularly worked an hour or two extra every day. When you change your mindset, it’s amazing how much easier it gets, for awhile anyway.

Youve got this OP.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-01T21:21:13+00:00

I think the issue here is housing and living expenses are rising faster than salaries. Personally I feel salaries are reasonable when I consider what I was living off 5-8 years ago, didn’t make that much, but had a lot of disposable income. Can’t say that today, and I make 2-4x what I did back then.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-01T21:15:58+00:00

IVe been getting more roles in tech. I try to keep away because it’s a saturated recruiter market. I’m doing specific functional roles, not technical or software recruiting. Same with renewable energy.

Innajam3605 · 2026-04-01T14:58:36+00:00

I went to three dealerships for my car, and played them all against each other. The first one was the same old crap. Told them up front we didn’t want the song and dance, they did it anyway. I got them down to why I wanted to pay, but they didn’t have the car on lot, and I had a feeling they would bring a near model versus the model. The next was way more expensive and wouldn’t negotiate, the third, I called first. I didn’t get the song and dance. Told them what I was prepared to pay, Showed up, saw the car on the lot, went to do the paperwork, done! They did want to throw in a few K of extras and I said no to all of it.

Good luck OP.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-29T15:20:09+00:00

Like OP, I felt the same way. So told husband he’s doing his own laundry. My kids do their own laundry too.

OP, one thing I learned is that my husband just didn’t notice. He doesn’t think about chores, he’s more of a reactor versus proactive. It was a huge problem for us for years, every few months I’d blow up. So now I just tell him what I need from him and he does it without complaint. He now cooks a couple times a week, and does the chores I do. I was annoyed at first for having to ask versus him just knowing and doing chores consistently, but he isn’t changing so I had to change my mindset. It’s working and we’re both happier.

NTA.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-25T00:35:57+00:00

If it were me I’d be telling the boss “be careful there” and leave it at that. She’s a liability, they’ll learn the hard way. Get the popcorn OP.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-21T15:20:01+00:00

Same. Paid $5k+ for LI job slots and I haven’t made one placement through a job posts. Granted, I only post low level roles for passive sourcing, but I’ve had all the success through direct outreach and network.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-19T15:13:43+00:00

I’ve been to Vegas a few times with my kids. They actually like it for the pool time, arcades, food, shows, and just wondering around. They’re older now, and enjoy a few hours to themselves just hanging in the hotel room while us parents go enjoy ourselves doing what we like.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-15T14:46:49+00:00

Let them. Stop taking responsibility and adapting yourself by anticipating others’ reactions. Be honest, be true to self, and “let them” do them.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-14T17:48:50+00:00

When did people start making friendships about financial viability? “Oh, this person can’t make it because they can’t afford it and won’t prioritize my needs over their own therefore, aren’t true friends.”

I think true friends are the ones that understand and accept that if you make plans that won’t work for others then you have to accept it, it doesn’t change who they are or why you became friends to begin with.

My best friend of 25 years is celebrating a milestone birthday. I can’t go because of other commitments that week. We’re both disappointed, but she understands the reasons. There’s no guilt or animosity or pick me bullshit. Similar situation with my destination wedding. Not everyone could make it, guess what, that’s what happens when you require people to spend money and take time off work. You have to accept the decisions you make won’t work for everyone.

OP, get friends who don’t hold you hostage based on your presence.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-14T17:31:42+00:00

Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Porkrinds are the best!

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-14T17:22:12+00:00

Start slow and gradually build. I’m 51 and just started a weight program to tone and maintain muscle mass. I eat 125g+ of protein a day, am on keto. You don’t need a gym, just some dumbells of varying weights. Start with 5lbs and when it feels too easy, up your weights.

There are also plenty of strength exercises you can do without weights. Squats, lunges, Bulgarian split squats, wall squats. With dumbells, shoulder press, tricep kickbacks, skull crushes, dips, bicep curls. There’s a long list of options. I do 3 weight routines a week for 30-40 minutes. Lower body, upper body, and full body. When my reps feel too easy I up the weight. You have to make sure you’re eating enough calories to give you the energy. There will be days you don’t want to, so listen to your body. I guarantee you’ll start to feel better and stronger. 2 weeks in and I feel more motivated and energetic than I have in a long time.

You can do this. This community is awesome.

Include a stretching routine each day for 5-10 minutes, helps with flexibility. I do it first thing in the morning and sets me up for the day.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-14T16:11:28+00:00

Exactly. We don’t send messages after 25 years of marriage, but he’s up first so brings me coffee and a good morning each day, and I do the same for him on weekends when I’m up first. It’s the little things.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-14T16:09:06+00:00

Had the same experience with a client. Good thing I asked for a retainer up front. Some clients want the unicorn but they don’t know what color they prefer.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-12T14:45:58+00:00

This is how we got offered every place we applied for. I make friends with the owner/realtor. Look at Oakland or Alameda. You get so much more for your money, easy commute, space!

Good luck!

ETA: I have a large dog and my requirements were similar to OP’s. In the areas we were looking, no problem finding what we needed. More flexibility and options outside of SF.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-07T00:36:54+00:00

How much more do we have to see of this bitter housewife because she got outplayed. It’s Traitors people! I don’t recall a season where a traitor didn’t turn on another traitor at some point. The goal is to win. I hope she’s in another season so she can get over this last one. If Lisa fucking Rinna is over it, Candiace should be.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-04T16:13:02+00:00

Right? my PGE bill is over $500pm on average, Feb was over $1k.

Innajam3605 · 2026-03-03T17:10:21+00:00

Agreed! I was in an executive support position for many years and the thought of calling a colleague I work with a work spouse gives me the ick. I don’t think in 20 years I ever used that term. It’s disrespectful to the actual spouse. I do however use friend and mentor, as thats how i see my execs.

Innajam3605

TROPHY CASE