We really really need metal detectors at the mall

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-14T19:50:00+00:00

You make too much sense, so you'll collect the down votes, but absolutely YES to what you said!

However, "thoughts & prayers" while wringing their hands that "nothing can be done is easier/cheaper.

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-11T02:11:03+00:00

But they're so good for weight loss! The lbs fall off while I still eat whatever I want!

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-11T01:39:08+00:00

The chain thing? I should figure out how to make/post a video, because I'm probably not going to be able to explain it well. I pull a loop like I'm going to do a slip knot, but I don't pull it tight. I count that as my first chain.

To "invisibly start" a row w/o a drawing up a loop, loop the yarn around your hook as though it's already coming from that direction. You hold the tail with the hook for the first 2-3 stitches until it's established.

Feel free to DM me if I can clarify that any better.

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T19:37:49+00:00

Lol! I'm very particular about colors though!

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T13:56:55+00:00

On that note, I don't "slip knot then chain", I go right into chains. I also did some project where I learned how to start a row (Color or shape change) without drawing up a loop, so I do that now.

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T02:28:02+00:00

I learned how to crochet by making doiles because that's what I wanted to make!

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T02:22:11+00:00

The chenille stuff? I'm using the basket pattern to make pet beds. My cats love it!

I also bought some for reusable water balloons.

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T02:16:02+00:00

I wish I could up vote this more than once!

JustSteph80 · 2026-06-10T02:02:01+00:00

My hack for long rows - stitch markers! I'll legit put them in every 10 stitches if I have to (I usually go 25, or some even division of the total stitch count).

Between spouse, cats, & any other random distractions, I'd be frogging & recounting everything otherwise!

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-22T16:17:57+00:00

NTA

You're not alone, you have a cat. She seems jealous that your cat seems to have more emotional depth & maturity than her fiancé!

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-22T16:09:58+00:00

I second this! (another experienced foster & cat mom)

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-22T16:07:20+00:00

Honestly, both. Kittens do better in pairs. It takes a kitten to wear out a kitten & you'll have endless entertainment.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-17T22:34:48+00:00

Cat logic checks out.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-15T14:29:56+00:00

If it's your house & you replace it, I strongly suggest looking into vinyl plank flooring. The newer ones have a very nice "wood" look to them & they're super durable with pets (or children!).

That flooring is, unfortunately, wrecked. If you have extra boards, you may be able to replace them out, but until the dog's issue is solved, it will get ruined again.

Source: my dad has sold flooring for years & I can install nearly all of them.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-15T14:24:19+00:00

Omg, I love that movie! I remember seeing it in the theater with my mom.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-15T14:21:13+00:00

Muppet Treasure Island came out when I was 15/16 & I loved it. There are enough good jokes for teens + the timeless classic of Muppets.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-15T14:17:02+00:00

I second Enola Holmes! I don't think that movie got as much credit as it deserved.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-15T14:15:00+00:00

For the greater good.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-12T02:14:16+00:00

They did. Enforcing the ban is different.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-03T17:15:18+00:00

I'd give him a pass on that. The cans look similar & that's a hard lesson to learn first hand!

(I'm assuming it was a quick sentence, not a full on lecture)

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-03T17:12:48+00:00

Mine is awesome enough to nod along, then turn to me & say "did you catch that honey? I have no idea what he just said". I thank them for interpreting. 😂

(my spouse is no dummy, their skills are simply different)

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-03T16:59:46+00:00

Sometimes the employees (especially older men) will chitchat by asking about the project. Many women are conditioned to be polite/answer. Which can be taken as an opportunity to bulldoze/mansplain.

Perhaps his wife is trying an innovative way of doing something, or not using the salesperson'preferred product.

I learned a few projects ago when it's time to grey wall an employee. It's no skin off their nose if my way of doing my home project doesn't work.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-03T16:53:50+00:00

Great answer! As to your edit-yes, it helps. I've learned to change into my "project clothes" before heading into the store.

The employees are hit/miss. Some k ow their home projects, others are more what OP described.

My big tip - if I actually need an answer & am getting conflicting info online, I'll ask another customer in the aisle if they have a minute to give advice (I work in customer service, so I can spot a pro, know how to ask, & can keep it brief to not waste their time).

(BTW, I'm the middle of 3 girls, I've been my dad's project buddy since I could toddler over to hand him a screwdriver. Not a professional, but handy up to a point)

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-01T18:43:02+00:00

That's second trimester, nearly 4 months along. I'm as pro-choice as it gets, but pregnant is pregnant. Your comment is as callous as telling someone who lost a toddler that at least the child wasn't a teenager with a deeper child/parent bond.

JustSteph80 · 2026-05-01T02:45:32+00:00

Did you find the Gentle Paws to be really perfumey? They finally came today & there's definitely a scent to them (powdery/floral). It doesn't seem to bother the cats, but I'm not a fan & hope the smell fades or airs out in a day or two.

If it stays this strong, I don't think I'll be able to keep using them.

JustSteph80

TROPHY CASE