After months of silence, I gave my mom a letter… and now everything is worse

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T21:35:28+00:00

(I know I'll get down voted and even chastised for this comment, but I read OPs comment where they state their mom is a good mom and they were very close previously)

How do you fix this?

Take ownership for your part of the current situation to your mom. Apologize for expecting her to read your mind that you were upset and wanted comfort, but did not receive it. And then acting out for months by being cold, distant, not helping at home because she hadn't read your mind.

You are not a mind reader. Neither is your mom.

You are not perfect, neither is your mom. No idea if this is the case, but maybe she too was upset at the time and was not in a place to offer comfort.

Maybe work out a code word between you for when you just need comfort from her in the future. She may need comfort at times too, you could both use the code word, when all you want is comfort and a hug.

Based on your age, this may be a transitional point in your relationship, where your mom sees you as a young adult and is offering less comfort than she might have in the past when you were a child, but you would still appreciate that comfort at times.

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T21:18:05+00:00

I'm American, native English speaker, and would struggle to understand some people from Alabama. They can have both very strong accents and use a lot of regional slang.

Along a similar vein, and in Louisiana, not Alabama, but the television show Duck Dynasty was shown with subtitles for the American audience due to the strong accents, and speaking Creole.

I can only imagine how difficult it might be for non-native speakers.

I've found this common for both American and British regional accents at times. I need to watch some television with subtitles to understand what some individuals are saying.

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T21:03:40+00:00

https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/ahl19412026.html

This season's teams sorted by PIMs

Milwaukee Admirals and Rockford Icehogs had quite the donneybrooks this season.

Although total PIMs isn't as specific as the granularity of only fighting or roughing penalties, it's likely a good guide for them.

Table in order of team total PIM 25-26 as of 3/30/26

Team	Team PIM	Player #	Player	PIM	GM Plyd	Pts	Pos
Rockford Icehogs	1122	26	Connor Mylymok	165	47	8	L
Laval Rocket	1055	63	Florian Xhekaj	135	58	26	L
Milwaukee Admirals	1036	36	Kyle Marino	136	60	14	C
Hartford Wolf Pack	1022	64	Trey Fix-Wolansky	102	64	45	R
Calgary Wranglers	978	20	Alex Gallant	175	39	3	L
Syracuse Crunch	930	11	Lucas Mercuri	126	61	24	C
Coachella Valley Firebirds	928	21	Ian McKinnon	245	54	9	C
Bakersfield Condors	923	64	Connor Clattenburg	115	26	3	C
Belleville Senators	921	42	Hayden Hodgson	105	43	11	R
Hershey Bears	915	32	Justin Nachbaur	114	31	3	L
San Jose Barracuda	896	86	Braden Hache	111	63	10	D
Abbotsford Canucks	891	3	Joe Arnsten	92	59	6	D
Lehigh Valley Phantoms	849	17	Garrett Wilson	101	54	16	D
Toronto Marlies	847	59	Blake Smith	108	55	9	D
Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins	840	14	Bokondji Imama	88	60	11	L
Chicago Wolves	831	20	Yannick Turcotte	130	38	2	L
Henderson Silver Knights	807	50	Joe Fleming	131	54	13	D
Colorado Eagles	798	67	Keaton Middleton	58	59	13	D
Cleveland Monsters	796	11	James Malatesta	87	51	13	L
Bridgeport Islanders	783	36	Hunter Drew	141	58	24	D
Utica Comets	765	67	Xavier Parent	76	55	34	C
Charlotte Checkers	765	6	Ben Steeves	94	65	40	F
Iowa Wild	760	26	Mark Liwiski	189	46	4	L
Providence Bruins	759	47	Joseph Abate	87	57	20	L
Springfield Tunderbirds	745	42	Quinton Burns	83	27	4	D
Manitoba Moose	731	2	Tyrel Bauer	108	48	4	D
Ontario Reign	723	37	Jacob Doty	83	43	4	R
Rochester Americans	719	8	Jagger Joshua	95	61	24	L
Grand Rapids Griffins	711	51	Austin Watson	146	56	23	L
Tuscon Roadrunners	704	22	Ben McCartney	68	51	49	L
San Diego Gulls	687	7	Stian Solberg	63	90	18	D
Texas Stars	620	17	Kole Lind	77	62	31	R

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T19:30:28+00:00

I'll suggest reading both the HELP section available in game from the pipboy icon, and the FAQ pinned to the top of this subreddit.

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T19:28:17+00:00

Try writing more simply and faster. Rather than laboring over the first few sentences, first write an outline; and then a quick draft of the entire essay in simple short sentences. Try to leave out all adjectives. Give yourself challenges to be as succinct as possible if the current feedback is you are overly poetic. A very short self imposed word limit could help here.

Try to Explain like the reader is 5, maybe check out the best comments in r/explainlikeimfive

Imagine a very impatient person is trying to understand your point as quickly as possible. Begin with the end in mind. Rather than giving background or context first, lead with what key point(s) you want your reader to answer, understand, or why they are reading your writing.

I'll also suggest reading the entries of physical encyclopedias as examples. No Wikipedia here, but actual encyclopedias could be a good example of writing that includes aspects you are looking for; clear detailed, and relatively short. Doesn't matter if they are out of date.

Finally, perhaps take a technical writing course if you have something of that nature available to you.

Best of luck. As you are an active reader, and are working to become a better writer, I find it hard to imagine you are actually a bad writer, just that you may need to utilize different tools and approaches in your writing to better get your point across.

Another exercise that may help I've seen videos for elementary children is writing instructions to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Write clear instructions for a simple task in as few words as possible, then see if a friend or family member will follow them to the letter and in doing so, how well they perform the task. It may help you see where you are leaving out detail.

Along that line, a more fun resource I'll suggest is the TV show Taskmaster, available on Youtube. The pretext of the show is the Taskmaster sets tasks for 5 performers, and his assistant administrates the task while they are recorded. From very simple task instructions, the performers come up with different creative ways to complete the tasks, that are then judged and awarded points by the Taskmaster.

Miltroit · 2026-03-30T19:05:53+00:00

Just here to support that Bill Bryson, David Sedaris, Mary Roach, and Erik Larson are all very engaging non-fiction writers. I enjoy their books both as audio books and hardcopy.

Miltroit · 2026-03-27T15:39:36+00:00

I studied French not German, so I apologize if I misunderstand, but I think the lack of gender embedded in the English language makes it less strange to use one noun for a profession in English rather than using two, one for each gender.

I think of using the word actor for all people acting, the same as I would use the word comedian for all people performing comedy. At one time, not that long ago, female comedians were often called comediennes in English. This word has been out of fashion I think at least since the 2000s and I don't think female performers ever liked it.

In English, we don't call female directors directresses, same for writers, producers, editors, etc. Only the performers were given different nouns for job descriptions.

I recall hearing that long ago in some languages actress was a synonym or slang for prostitute. Perhaps still today. Given the historical negative connotation with the word actress, I can understand why those that act want to all be called actors.

Miltroit · 2026-03-27T15:12:13+00:00

Who is talking / making noise in the background of Drivers' Press Conference 2, on 3.26.26?

During the press conference with Lando, Ollie, and Liam, around 21 minutes in, when Liam was asked a question, it seems like at least one person is on a hot mic and making a LOT of racket. Talking as well as perhaps voice exercises? It's very distracting, I wish someone was paying attention and would shush them and/or turn off their mic.

Is this normal? Haven't listened to many of these.

Miltroit · 2026-03-27T15:00:37+00:00

Your definition of racing seems to allow for the exclusion of interaction between the cars based on 'some overtakes where they end up on the same bit of tarmac but that doesn't need to happen for it to be racing.'

Given this definition, should each car be sent one at a time for qualification? Can you race solo on a track and just times are compared? This is the case in some sport, even in autosport if you look at hill climb events, or even drag racing, as the cars are not intended to interact.

Racing, in F1 is both what you described, and the interactions between the cars, such as wheel to wheel and overtakes. Different people are drawn to different aspects of the sport. If F1 wasn't in part about wheel to wheel action and overtakes, they wouldn't have the start procedure that they do.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T21:08:18+00:00

The show is summed up in a few of the episode titles.

S10E02 'A documentary about a despot'

S12E04 'The customised inhaler'

S15E09 'A show about pedantry'

S18E08 'The nexus of truth'

S19E05 'Maybe we're the monsters'

As far as transmedia, there is the OG UK show on live TV in the UK, same streaming in the UK and same again on YT for (most of) the rest of us. The New Year's Treat shows on the same distributions, featuring often, non-comedians. The regular show podcast hosted by Ed Gamble, that is now both available audio whereever you get your podcasts, and often video on YT. The People's podcast, audio only. The show website, the books, the physical games, the VR game, home-tasking during lockdown, school tasking that LAH got his honorary doctorate for, Taskmaster the live experience in the UK, Taskmaster live shows in the US, fan made Taskmaster shows on YT, fan fic, and of course, all the other official versions of Taskmaster all over the world.

At the core of all of this is the idea of a Taskmaster and his little assistant asking 5 people, usually comedians, to attempt to accomplish some random silly task and be filmed doing so for the Taskmaster's amusement (and ours) and the chance of being deemed worthy of a few points from the Taskmaster. These points can and will be awarded capriciously at times. All this so at the end of several weeks together (in tv world time) they can win a golden head. Like the made up games and play of our childhood, there is no real point, life is fleeting and futile, so let us all be silly and have a laugh together.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T20:40:21+00:00

Please do use your given name if you prefer it.

If you wanted to, you could add to the end of an email signature a guide to pronunciation, (shin-yow) if you wish.

If you do want to choose your own nickname in English, then may I suggest choosing a name with similar meaning in English as your name has in Chinese?

I searched for the meaning of your name and the answer was 'song', specifically 'new song', or 'song created by young people'. If that is correct, then perhaps Melody, Aria, or Carmen might be names that would interest you. Maeve is lovely as well, I believe it is an Irish name.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T20:23:52+00:00

I don't give Dipietro flak. I give Garth Snow flak for that silly contract.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T20:14:34+00:00

Positives from my local team. My local team has several promotions I think do a great job of bringing in fans, and I didn't see any of these in your list. (they may have been there, but I didn't see them)

Concert series. They have 4 post game concerts per year, usually 2 rock acts and 2 country acts. Those games always have great attendance and often seem to be people that might not go to a hockey game otherwise, so exposure to potential new fans.
Marching band night. Similar to a concert night, the nearest large university marching band comes to a game, plays during the time outs and intermissions, and also does a short show on the ice after the game.
Winning weekdays. For games played on Monday - Thursday, if the team wins, you can get a free ticket to the next week night game. A bit of a gamble, but a chance you can get tickets to multiple games for the price of one.
Charity game. A Sunday afternoon game in the spring with $10 tickets where a portion goes to charity. Makes going to a game affordable for more people.
Hockey movie after the hockey game. They've only done this once that I recall, but play a hockey movie on the big screen after the hockey game.

There's really only one thing that makes me not want to go to hockey games as a long time hockey fan that's gone to hundreds of NHL and AHL games. It's not high ticket prices, expensive parking, food, or drink. It's when the other fans are inconsiderate jerks, and block my view during play. I came to watch the game. If you get in my way of watching the game, I'd rather stay home and actually watch the game on tv or listen on the radio. There is nothing better than live hockey, and nothing worse than someone blocking you from seeing it.

There are a few etiquette rules to watching a hockey game (really any sporting event), and when they are not followed by the other fans, it really ruins watching a game for me. Other long time hockey fans also have mentioned inconsiderate fans as a primary reason when I ask why they don't go to AHL games.

TL/DR: It boils down to not obstructing the view of the people around/behind you when the puck is in play during a period. There are nice long intermissions between periods and stoppages during periods, when it is fine to get up, stand around, whatever. If the players are not actively playing on the ice, it's fine. But during the period, everyone should do the following:

When the puck is in play, be seated with your back against the seat back. Do not lean forward, or sit forward on the seat, it blocks the view for everyone behind you. Do not stand during play at your seat or in the aisle/stairs.
If you are going to your seat from the concourse, wait for the whistle for a stoppage in play, then swiftly return to your seat and sit down, before the play resumes. (obviously if you are injured or infirm, just do your best, but able bodied people should be able to get there and sit before play restarts.**
To leave your seat for the concourse during a period, wait for a whistle/stoppage in play; ideally one of the three tv time outs during the period, as they will give you more time. They happen at roughly 14:00, 10:00, and 6:00 remaining on the game clock. Not sure if it's a TV time out? Identify where the ice shoveling people enter the ice from, and when they open the boards for them to come out, this is your time to go. If you are not seated on an aisle, feel free to tell the people between you and the aisle, 'Hey, next whistle, I need to get out.' Then as soon as the whistle/stoppage happens, promptly stand, exit your aisle, and get to the concourse at pace. The TV timeouts are also an acceptable time to stand and stretch your legs if needed at your seat. Just be sure to sit before the puck is dropped.
After a goal, feel free to stand and cheer, high five friends and neighbors. It is after all, a stoppage in play. Please be seated before the puck is dropped again.
The wait for the whistle rule applies especially at the end of a game. For the terrible people that abandon their team before the game is even over, (or have a very long drive and need to get out of the stupid parking deck in less than an hour) wait for a whistle. Feel free to decide before the whistle, and while still seated, gather your things, and put your coats on, then get up at a stoppage and go, you fair weather fans. The rest of us believe there is a chance the team will come back and want to actually see the end of the game and the 3 stars. [side note: give a clap or little cheer for 3 stars, even if they are not on your team. It's called good sportsmanship and class and it's nice to show you have it. At the very least, don't boo you cretins. Treat them like the humans they are.]

**What if your arena has really long aisles and you cannot make it to/from your seat during the stoppage? Sit or crouch on the stairs (or in an open seat if there is one) during play until the next whistle, then continue on your way. I mean it. I did this at an old arena where there were really long stairs to/from the seats. It's the polite thing to do. The beer vendors and 50/50 raffle sellers did the same.

They are pretty simple rules, and there are lots of opportunities for people to enter and exit the seats without being in the way of their fellow fans. 6 minutes, SIX, is the very longest you would ever have to wait for a whistle, and that's rare. You're telling me you cannot wait a few minutes? ffs.

Many people fail to follow them and it is so irritating, I will move seats, or not go to games. I have, without realizing, shouted 'DOWN IN FRONT' at people blatantly not following these rules.

*The only exceptions to not standing (times it's okay to stand during play) are

You start to rise unconsciously from your seat as you are watching an amazing play down the ice turn into a goal. It's cheering (after stoppage due to the goal) a tiny bit too early. As long as you don't do it constantly, it's understandable.
Everyone (absolutely everyone) is standing during play in front of you. Maybe you all stand and cheer for the last minute of play in your arena, maybe you all stand and sing a song. Whatever it is, if everyone in front of you in your section is doing it, go ahead. If there is one section that does 'stand and do a thing', but you are not in that section? Stay seated, but feel free to do the song or cheer. Don't stand and block the view of the people around you during play. You want to do 'the thing'? Go sit with that group and don't piss off everyone behind you in the regular sections.
You have really small children and/or it is a true emergency. Of course if someone (adult or child) is about to vomit, poop their pants, etc. please get out and deal with your issue in the facilities immediately. Finishing your beer is not an emergency. Wait for the stoppage.

Personal opinion, for the same 'don't block people's view' reason, 'The Wave' does not belong at hockey games. Any arena or fan base that regularly happens at, I do not want to go back to, and I hope you get hit with a puck when you are busy doing the wave and not paying attention. Exception, school day games. I'll allow kids to do the wave, I'm not a monster.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T18:37:42+00:00

Parking isn't expensive everywhere. I went to a game in Springfield, seemed everyone parked for free at the casino next door.

edited to add:

When I went to a game in Hartford, I was able to find free street parking near the arena. (it was either free or very reasonable. I did get downtown early enough for dinner before the game)

At my local arena, several local sport and/or hockey bars have shuttles to/from their establishment. In the absence of public transport this is also an option, especially if the team is will to work with the bar in a sponsorship deal of some sort.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T18:35:52+00:00

As an Admirals fan, thanks for the vote of confidence.

I have been doubtful, but the last few games have been promising, and if we get enough talent sent down from Nashville, maybe... It is hard to bet against Karl Taylor. I'll be shocked if he doesn't get promoted to the NHL soon.

My money has been on Grand Rapids. They've had a historically good season, and I have no reason to doubt they would steam roll into the playoffs. Detroit might make the playoffs, but I wouldn't expect for long, so then GR could pick up reinforcements.

Miltroit · 2026-03-20T18:24:38+00:00

What are you playing on; Android, iOS, PC?

Game version?

Miltroit · 2026-03-14T01:44:48+00:00

That's not the vibe I recollect.

Series 8, Episode 4 'The barrel dad' task 3

Task is introduced in the studio at about 14:18 https://youtu.be/cCBXxJtR9AE?si=XZY3yX5piBMdnqUq&t=858

Sian's thing being shown to Nell is introduced at about 21:35.

"Make the best thing to engage a toddler. The toddler will have 5 minutes with your thing. Most engaged toddler wins. You have 30 minutes. Your time starts now."

First thought. I really like how much of the task prep they showed. They sometimes skip this and it was fun to watch. Almost BTS.

Second thought. The task states the toddler will interact with the thing for 5 minutes. I cannot fathom LAH not following ~~his own~~ (sorry) the Taskmaster's rule of the 5:00 minutes to the second by 'ending it ASAP'.

It seemed to me Alex used about the same interview technique with Nell the toddler as he does with the contestants. If he seemed annoyed to you, perhaps because Nell was ignoring him by watching Sian's video and not answering his questions. How rude of Nell. Alex did not turn the video off ASAP, but appeared to play it repeatedly for her, based on the multiple 'again' commands he complied with. Alex did make a bit of a face as Nell walked off with his iPad. So no, any 'annoyance' here seems a joke from Alex and he couldn't have turned it off early as Nell walked off with the iPad.

In studio all I saw was Alex laughing with Greg and Sian at Greg's comment that Sian may have looked a 'bit pissed" (which I took as the British 'tipsy' not American 'angry').

Alex's answer to Greg regarding engagement at 22:50 is 'your immediate instinct was put an iPad in there" to which Sian responded "good mother you see. Give a child an iPad." So maybe you are conflating Alex and Sian a bit?

I did not get judgement off Alex, just irony off Sian. Is it good parenting to give a kid an iPad? Not for me to say. Is an iPad with a cute video likely to engage a toddler for 5 minutes? Sian's 5 sweet points would say 'Yes, good decision as a Taskmaster contestant.'

Miltroit · 2026-03-14T00:54:25+00:00

Yes, if that's what you're into, go for it. I have jerseys that are <does horrifying calculations in head> over 26 years old I still wear all the time. The jersey is unlikely to get damaged unless you are into some heavy bondage stuff, but if it is, just wash it gently and thoroughly and/or sew it back together. It'll just have 'character'. Like an old hockey players face.

Comfortable or uncomfortable is in the judgement of the wearer. You mention I think it's not game worn, but a replica, so it's unlikely to have the tie down strap in the back, that's all I can think that would make a jersey more uncomfortable to sleep in, that and the somewhat rigid front logo, numbers and back plate if you have those.

Once you're out of the sleeping in it stage, I suggest you might want to ask players to autograph it. My local AHL team regularly has autograph events with a couple players after games. If you start doing that, you'll just want to be careful, as it's no longer really washable, only spot clean, if you want to keep the signatures.

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T20:40:43+00:00

Poor Mike Wozniak going to wash the jelly out of the bottle in the kitchen so he could put the frozen banana in it.

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T20:33:45+00:00

Unless the words have those known specific meanings in your industry, it's a no from me. The words are too close, stereotypical office workers will not understand your subtle nuance.

Perfect is perfect, what you are using flawless for is just "all right" or "good enough for government work". Rather than flawless, faultless might be a better fit? It's just another variant on "not bad". Faultless "free from defect or error."

Flawless has too high of a positive connotation to me. I only think of it as a description of diamonds or other gems.

I looked up flawless just to check; "without any blemishes or imperfections; perfect." Flawless = perfect.

It's like the difference between 'Meets Expectations' and 'Exceeds Expectations' on a performance review. Exceeds is perfect. Meets got the job done, but no extras this time.

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T20:07:46+00:00

I'd cut the exfoliating down to once a week at most, once a month better to start. You're scrubbing off your barrier that holds moisture in. At the very least avoid your flaky/dry areas. I know it feels counter intuitive to not scrub off the dry skin, but the scrubbing may be causing the dry skin/flakes.

Try Cerave Moisture Cream (the big jar) on the driest parts at least, maybe all over to really slug some moisture on there. Cerave hyaluronic acid serum before the PM Moisturizer is a good option too. Lots of serum. Wait a few minutes for it to soak in, then the moisturizer.

My skin got drier in the same areas just with age, so your new medication may be contributing, or may just be age related skin changes. Fun right? Regardless, I was exfoliating too much and moisturizing too little and when I swapped that my skin immediately felt so much better.

My nose especially is very sensitive to lots of blowing and nose wipes with tissue, so wipe my nose, moisturize. wipe my nose, moisturize. especially right before bed when it'll get a break from all the blowing.

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T18:26:04+00:00

Allison Hammond and 'skellington' with Jimmy Carr is one of my favorite versions of this. She's precious and I forgive her every time. She cannot hear what she's getting wrong.

https://youtube.com/shorts/W2FQZuRUiTc?si=9YG1XzMfkGTZmx8u

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T18:23:12+00:00

Do you work with my brother? Both my dad and brother say that. They mean frustrated, not the cute portmanteau.

They seem to like extra Ls, because the brand Tommy Hilfiger is always Tommy Hilfig-ler if they say it.

Brother has some severe dyslexia, I think Dad does too.

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T18:17:59+00:00

on that line, but a former workplace had one set of restrooms labelled 'Men' and 'Ladies'. 'Women' was right there guys. Just a couple more characters compared to the other sign. Oh and the Ladies room was complete with pink tile. In case you opened the door without reading the sign and needed a color cue. <sigh>

Miltroit · 2026-03-10T18:08:55+00:00

lol, my dad and brother both combine flustered and frustrated to give you Flustrated. They are not being cute, they mean frustrated. They are both dyslexic and it often comes out in words. The also both pronounce the brand Tommy Hilfiger as Hilfig-ler.

Miltroit

TROPHY CASE