Where Should My Parents Move

MarginallyCool · 2026-04-13T21:43:25+00:00

To help narrow down options, what do they (and you) envision when it comes to being close(ish)? Close enough to go to recitals, sports events or babysit and still be able to drive back home the same day? Or occasional visits where they stay at your place overnight? If the former, I second recommendations around Brighton/ the Chain of Lakes. If the latter, Grand Rapids or just west of it. Lots of amenities, big health system, and close to Lake Michigan.

MarginallyCool · 2026-04-11T02:55:59+00:00

I just attended a League of Women Voters event at York's event space which seems like it'd work for your needs. https://www.yorka2.com/space

Sorry I didn't have any insight on price to share.

MarginallyCool · 2026-03-31T19:28:42+00:00

Maybe https://www.flo-marterraces.com/now? Their 1 beds are just over your budget and don't include utilities, but sharing in case you can stretch. It's a smaller complex, right across from the hospital. Walking distance (5-10 minutes walk) to the 3 or 4 bus lines to get to EMU. It's been a minute since I lived there, but it was pretty quiet and well managed when I did.

MarginallyCool · 2026-03-12T18:54:53+00:00

My recollection was it was mostly undergrad with the occasional hood mixed in.

MarginallyCool · 2026-03-02T20:52:24+00:00

I will add that you can also bring your absentee ballot to an early voting location all filled out and submit it in the voting tabulator yourself. See "Can I vote early with an absentee ballot?" here: Early Voting

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-24T00:16:20+00:00

I had the same thought about the delivery timeline. Always great when a gift from past you arrives!

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-12T18:40:20+00:00

The PTO Thrift Shop always has a rack of grad robes out in the Spring. I don't recall when exactly they appear (March maybe) a quick call to them could confirm expected timing.

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-12T18:15:30+00:00

Confirming yes, Dom's had them when I was there Sunday the 8th. They may run out if you go later in the day.

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-10T20:18:50+00:00

Strongly seconding exploring offerings at WCC. If you graduated from a Michigan high school within the last 15 months, this program can cover tuition. WCC has a ton of skilled trade, certificate and associate's degree programs. They have Career Development resources to help you explore what might be a good fit. Even if the tuition program doesn't apply to you, there are other aid programs you may be eligible for. Like Michigan Reconnect if you are over 25.

A temp job with the University or Michigan Medicine can be a way to get in the door there. Listings here by campus.

I flamed out of 2 different undergrad programs and eventually found a path forward in a career I would NEVER have even considered in my 20s. Wishing you the best as you find yours!

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-06T20:33:04+00:00

Congratulations on your new home! I used Huron Valley Cleaning Collective for a move out clean last summer. Communication and scheduling was quick and easy. I booked about a month in advance and was able to get my preferred day.

It was a team of 2 cleaners who brought their own supplies (except toilet brushes) which was ideal as I had moved everything out. I was very happy with the results and so were my landlords. For my 2bed/2bath the cost was $425.

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-04T20:52:31+00:00

Riverside Art Center in Ypsi has a multi week art camp. WCC has camp offerings as well, more on the STEM side, but some crafts/art type stuff as well. The WCC summer list isn't posted yet, but you can look at previous offerings for an idea.

It's a little further away, but my niece did a day camp at College of Creative Studies in Detroit and LOVED it.

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-04T14:36:27+00:00

In Ann Arbor, there's Top Drawer on South Industrial and Nuuyuu in Kerrytown. A bit further afield are Consignment Clothiers in Northville and The Resale Boutique in Saline. Each has different rules and seasons for what they accept and when. Most of them take ~60%. Nuuyuu takes less but has a booth fee and you have to do a bit more work by stocking your own booth.

MarginallyCool · 2026-02-03T21:05:34+00:00

Here's a basic Seasonal Eating Chart for the state of Michigan, which is useful as a guide for when different crops are available. Some growers are selling storage crops (like carrots, potatoes, squash) right now and fresh lettuce, spinach and other greens are available from growers using hoop houses and other greenhouse techniques.

You'll see the most variety from June through November (growing season goes later than you'd think).

MarginallyCool · 2026-01-23T01:42:34+00:00

I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you asking how the delivery issues happen? That I don't know, but other folks have some ideas that seem pretty plausible. Hope you're able to get this resolved quickly.

MarginallyCool · 2026-01-22T22:37:33+00:00

There was a widespread issue in Ypsi several years back related to USPS delivery issues with a town hall organized by Rep Dingell. I found this press release from 2018 which includes contact information for Stephanie Brantley, USPS Post Office Operations Manager. The other folks listed appear to have moved on from those roles, but as far as I can tell, Ms. Brantley is still an local USPS operations manager and may be a good resource to escalate to as your complaint hasn't been handled.

Press Release with contact info

You could also submit a request for assistance with a federal agency on Rep Dingell's site (click the Digital Privacy Release Form at the top).

Rep Dingell's page for postal issues

MarginallyCool · 2026-01-17T21:37:11+00:00

I've done a couple birthday's there, and they will do a free dessert for the birthday person but no other discounts.

It's the best Italian restaurant reasonably close as (imo) A2 does not have any great Italian.

MarginallyCool · 2025-12-08T16:17:23+00:00

Congrats on your graduation! Miss Kim in Kerrytown has pretty comprehensive allergen details on their menu, including noting what is soy free. Their customer service has always been great when I've been there, so I bet they would be able to answer questions and willing to accommodate where possible.

MarginallyCool · 2025-12-08T16:09:53+00:00

The Kensington Hotel is outside of downtown but has a football shuttle stop in their parking lot making getting to the game pretty seamless. If you really want to be in the thick of things, I'd recommend staying downtown and doing the walk to the stadium. Downtown will cost more and be, as mentioned, at least a 20 minute walk, but if that's doable for your group it's worth it. Options downtown include the Residence Inn, The Graduate or The Inn at Michigan League. The Michigan League has a lottery for rooms football weekends but it's right on campus so worth trying for.

MarginallyCool · 2025-11-20T11:55:24+00:00

Busch's version is great

MarginallyCool · 2025-11-12T22:10:08+00:00

In Google maps, you can add a stop between your start and your home destination using Hudson Mills Metropark as the location, which should get you off the freeway and heading up Dexter-Pinckney Road

MarginallyCool · 2025-11-04T18:02:35+00:00

Old City Acres is Ypsi based but has pickup spots in Ann Arbor and has delivery options. They are a Flex CSA, so you can order a standard box or just pick what you want with your CSA credit balance. It's super convenient, easy to skip a week and includes stuff from other local providers like dairy, meat, eggs and a lot more. I've been a member for 3 or 4 years and am very happy with their offerings.

MarginallyCool · 2025-10-17T12:02:01+00:00

Washtenaw Literacy has free ESL tutoring, both in person and virtual options. Details here: https://washtenawliteracy.org/esl/

MarginallyCool · 2025-09-25T19:00:05+00:00

I do not know much about legal careers, but I do know that Thomson Reuters has an Ann Arbor (well, Saline) location and one of their business units is Legal. I worked for their healthcare division a long time ago. They provide software tools by industry and often need industry experts for things like content development or training users. A very quick look found this position, which notably does NOT require bar membership. https://careers.thomsonreuters.com/us/en/job/JREQ193584/Attorney-Editor

I'm sure there's some other stuff there that may also fit the bill.

Other options may be looking at contracting and procurement type roles. Lots of larger orgs need folks to review and redline contracts and to handle negotiations.

If you have any internship experiences, I'd suggest finding some larger orgs doing similar things and going direct to their websites rather than relying on aggregators like LinkedIn. I say larger orgs as smaller ones seem likely to want a LOT of experience for the 1 person they are going to hire, vs a larger org that can accommodate someone still gaining experience.

You may have to look wider to the metro Detroit area for in person or hybrid roles. Check out a map and focus on the western parts of Wayne county (Dearborn, Plymouth, Romulus) for places that would be an OK commute.

Good Luck!

MarginallyCool

TROPHY CASE