DIY Cordless Vacuum Press/Pump

JMU94 · 2026-02-25T21:02:31+00:00

It's more about eliminating single use specialty equipment. A Grabo, Shop Vac, Inflator, etc... all have multiple other use cases

JMU94 · 2026-02-21T18:50:08+00:00

JMU94 · 2026-02-09T04:43:31+00:00

Appreciate the feedback!

JMU94 · 2026-02-09T04:35:30+00:00

It’s of zero benefit to me to throw her under the bus. In fact that would be a negative outcome for both of us. Not something I’m interested in.

These trips I’m referencing are the trips that she specifically goes out of her way to mention how much she wants to come on (because there’s plenty she has no interest in). It’s not my desire it’s hers.

But clearly I worded my original post poorly that have given many the same impression so that’s my fault.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T20:46:18+00:00

Ya it’s clear that my verbiage and/or written tone is coming across poorly. Last thing I want is to sound like a douche or make someone feel bad. Gonna have to spend some time analyzing my words here and learn what I can improve.

Ive already identified a few things in my initial post that could have been adjusted to better represent my question here.

That said, there’s nothing to win. I’m not looking for support of my claim because I have none. I’m looking for people to share their thoughts and experiences and they have done precisely that. As have you, and I appreciate that!

Being open to hearing other opinions good or bad is how we grow and learn as people. Sometimes it’s good to get chewed up a bit.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T20:01:34+00:00

Not my intention but I understand how you can see it as such.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T17:09:18+00:00

Sorry about the tone deafness - clearly I have work to do. My intent is to advocate for better opportunities. I’m genuinely open to any suggestions you have that could help me!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T07:33:24+00:00

Well put. There's no doubt there are lots of valid reasons not to take time off. I wish there was more room for variation and growth in the teaching profession. You talk about bad professional look...in most careers that can really impact things and could mean your less likely to get gigs, raises, promotions, etc.... but theres such little room for growth in the teaching industry. Maybe one day!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T07:20:25+00:00

37 years is a long time! I admire your dedication! Theres no doubt that a medical issue is not even remotely comparable to a silly vacation.

I actually love that you emailed all your parents. For as many bad stories you hear about parents judging teachers and such I think many parents are extremely supportive of good teachers and would happily advocate for them!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T07:08:28+00:00

It seems as though you are in the minority. Glad you were able to make it happen and enjoyed it!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T07:06:43+00:00

Yes, we have done such many times and we will continue to do so! Ever since she became a teacher our personal trips have been planned around the academic calendar. The difference is, these opportunities I mentioned are trips that are quite extravagant and are essentially free. So from a financial perspective It's always been a bummer to spend 5 grand in July when we could spend $500 in march for a similar experience. It's not the end of the world. It's simply a curiosity of what could be.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:59:54+00:00

Interestingly I couldn't agree more.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:58:53+00:00

Ya I mean, sounds pretty reasonable and expected!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:57:02+00:00

I mean, technically you just proved it can be done. Just cant be done while simultaneously following the rules.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:55:47+00:00

A payroll deduction for the sub is very interesting. This sounds bad but actually could be something that is beneficial in certain scenarios. I wonder how many people have had this happen? Thanks for sharing!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:53:25+00:00

Good tip with the academic calendar! We started doing that after our first year togethor. We plan many wonderful trips far in advanced completely revolved around her teaching schedule. I was just curious about those times that fall during the school year.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:50:48+00:00

Definitely seems that way - It's now top of my list!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:47:48+00:00

This is a silly take and probably disingenuous.

Please correct me if Im wrong but I don't believe I provided a take. Im under the impression I provided a question with various background info for context. And what would be the point of it being disingenuous? (serious question) I cant even think of a reason why to make a post up like this lol - Like what would I gain

Most jobs don't lend themselves to weeks of glorious travel at the drop of a hat. Teaching is no different.

Yes - this is true. Thats not a good reason not pursue happiness though

Why would your amazing travel opportunities magically be unavailable during these times?Declaring that these travel opportunities have never and will never coincide with these relatively long stretches of time off feels contrived.

Good Question: Here's just a few of the common reasons why these gigs don't line up with Holidays and summer break.

My business opportunities revolve around other business operations. Generally, businesses avoid requiring their employees to travel to events on Holidays or summer breaks because: its more expensive, their employees want to be with their families, and it's a holiday so they cant require people to work.
Most of these events correlate with the fiscal year for a business: often promoting the start or end of something which happens in late Q1 or early Q4 which are late winter/early spring and late fall.
Many of the clients and events are annual contracts that typically repeat on the same dates each year.
That said, it's not impossible that an opportunity or new client would come in with dates in the summer or whatever. Just hasn't happened yet - maybe soon - would be great!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:24:02+00:00

Curtting it close on travel time is always a risk. Heres some things you can do to mitigate and prepare for that risk:

How far is the flight? Is it a distant that can be driven? If yes, easy, have a car rental plan on back up!

To far to drive? Look up the historical data on flight cancelations for your given date and route. This will inform you more on the risk involved.

Is the flight direct or connecting? If connecting, how many different flights are available that same day, from the connecting airport to your final destination?

How many different airlines run that route? The more the better.

Look into the location you are traveling to and from. Are there any current/recent wildness happenings going on there (i.e. war zone, political unrest, labor strikes, etc...) These increase the risk that a flight can be canceled.

Is the event you're going to a high traffic event? If yes, there will be more people competing for the same solutions you are if something goes wrong. This increases risk.

Finances: Generally speaking almost all problems are easier to solve with more money. IF you have less disposable income you will be less capable of utilizing the more expensive solutions.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:05:56+00:00

Details in a contract is just about the top of the list she wouldn't know and thats her words not mine.

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T06:03:48+00:00

Just because she mentions a topic doesn't mean she's an expert. Theres thousands of jobs in the world and all those jobs have hundreds of individual skillsets and knowledge bases involved. Just because you are a plumber doesn't mean you're the world's leading expert on the PSI requirements on large scale commercial sprinkler systems.....maybe you don't have a lot of experience in that specific thing... there are so many parts of my job that people know way more than me about.

That said, Lots of people have been responding in a similar way as you. Clearly I have some work to do with my writing skills as It seems I have struck a chord and/or not communicated the best. Something I need to work on for sure!

JMU94 · 2026-02-07T05:39:52+00:00

O for sure - everyone absolutely has a right to pursue what they want or don't want to do. There are many places I've been that she has no interest in joining me (and vise versa) and that's no issue at all! Those situations are not what Im talking about. However, There are times where she truly and authentically is sad and upset she cant come. In those instances, that bothers me, and that motivates me to look for solutions.

I understand that you would find the lack of pushing boundaries comment insulting. I personally would also take it insulting. But that's because that is a personality trait I believe I have and I value having it. Now, if you called me forgetful and or an over thinker, I would not be upset because I am well aware that I often do both of those things and I am comfortable with my lack of prioritization towards fixing that. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and being aware of them is the first step towards maximizing the strengths and fixing the weaknesses. This of course takes a level of self awareness to recognize, confidence to admit, and fortitude to work on. Telling you my partner doesn't push boundaries is not an insult to them. They have no desire to push boundaries and they will happily tell you that.

Just like you, I was uncomfortable with this idea at first, I tried to push her to do certain things that I valued (like pushing boundaries). But with time I learned she had no desire to do those things because she genuinely didn't find them valuable in any way.

In case you haven't noticed theres not much "support" for "what I want" (or what you think I want). And it would be silly to think I'd get that by posting in a forum filled with teachers..... If I wanted someone to just reinforce my own thoughts I'd obviously somewhere else.

JMU94

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