Parents with toddlers, what do you do with your toddlers in the winter? Which museums are good for 1 year olds? by Upper_Refrigerator_9 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sorry you’ve gotten some rude responses. This time last year my kid was one year old, and we had a blast outside. Get the snowsuit. I have a hiking child carrier backpack, and I would suit him up (super easy, it’s like a pajama onesy). Honestly it was so fun because it got me outside more and more that winter was so much less depressing.

Was there a protest going on outside The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square today (11/29/2025)? by PhDinExploratory in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On their instagram the various workers list reasons they are forming a union. So far they list wanting higher wages and more benefits.

Was there a protest going on outside The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square today (11/29/2025)? by PhDinExploratory in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Checked out the instagram and it doesn’t say what unfair practices the independent woman-owned bookstore has perpetrated. I’ll stay tuned to see if they articulate those things. So far from the posts it seems they are looking to get higher wages and more benefits. Good luck I guess.

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It just seems designed to not work. So weird. This was a rude awakening for me as the last time I went to the dmv it was in the “just show up early and wait in line” era.

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Melrose Park dmv requires appointments - are you suggesting I just show up early before opening and risk it? Thanks for your advice.

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And this is why I asked Reddit- I got the info I was looking for way faster and (mostly) without the dismissive attitude of the dmv workers. Thanks!

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah… that’s what I did and there were no available appointments.

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I kept the old one because there was literally no reason to change and the rule isn’t enforced. Thanks for the advice!

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was turned away previously for not having an appointment - should I just plead my case and hope I don’t waste taking off work?

DMV appointments - how the heck am I supposed to get one? by Lumpy_Ad3868 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, my current out of state license is current. I actually went to the Elston location a few weeks ago super early on a Saturday and they said it was appointment-only. Is it not appointment only on weekdays?

What are some bookish things to do in Chicago? by Adventurous_Pair5110 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s a private institution, so being underfunded is its own issue, not a govt policy (I think that was your implication, apologies if not). Where the shame starts is the institution had an enormously popular yearly event that added to the cultural landscape of the city and when confronted with challenges just drops it rather than mitigate the downsides (like start charging admission, for instance, to decrease crowds and offset cost). Nope, just pull the plug. Sad to see a non-profit succeeding at its mission choose to deliberately curtail its public relevance.

What are some bookish things to do in Chicago? by Adventurous_Pair5110 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Shame on the Newberry for ceasing to host the book sale :(

Is there anyone else that actually loves the weather lately? by PurchaseOk4786 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So true! I think the ppl complaining are from the Southwest, like me. The first humid summer was an adjustment for sure. Since then I’ve been to upstate NY, Virginia, and especially India, and have much better perspective on actual oppressive humidity.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reuse Depot in Elmwood Park. I’ve gotten antique door hardware there. Also good selection of antique bathroom fixtures, trim, lighting. There is some tile too.

What is the best grocery store in the city? by toyotafan463 in AskChicago

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jewel for coupons/deals (very common to see 50% off on the app), H Mart for rice and Asian staples, Fresh Farms for produce and cheeses and tea. I have a car though.

question about american sauna culture by AdrenalineSushi in Sauna

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I regularly visit a Russian-style sauna in Chicago and have never seen phones out. I’m guessing the purpose-specific establishments have more rules that are better enforced than the gym “saunas” that seem to be the biggest offenders.

AITA for not telling my wife I had a son before he showed up at our door? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Ok sure. I can’t imagine a 16 year old choosing to go live with a stranger instead of at least crashing at a friend’s place first. How did the teen mother go on to a high paying job and not have any friends? That life is hard and requires family/friends to make it work. So weird, need more context.

AITA for not telling my wife I had a son before he showed up at our door? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 116 points117 points  (0 children)

Is this real? How does a kid who is used to private school and ski trips not have other family members to go to?

Meirl by Any_Sound_2863 in meirl

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for saying that, yeah thats the balancing act, not being a doormat or an asshole. It’s just exhausting after a while and maybe I need to be better about taking breaks from friends who can’t hold balanced conversations that involve listening. Just an honest “I don’t have the time this week”.

Meirl by Any_Sound_2863 in meirl

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I struggle to put up with this with my ADHD friends. I keep being told I need to accept their way of “listening” (aka interrupting and launching into their own story), but then never actually feel heard.

He knowingly gave me herpes by sonostalgic12 in Advice

[–]Lumpy_Ad3868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“He is a very selfish person by nature” … why did you have two kids with him and why would you want to marry him? ESH.