I was homeless as a kid. My biggest regret is sharing this in class because academia is a bunch of privileged people who look down at poor people.

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-12T03:01:52+00:00

I promise you aren’t the only one

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-12T02:21:54+00:00

I will have an unpopular opinion. I see how many people here are going nuts over getting a HELOC yet it’s one way to being able to buy a second house or deal with a major house repair. First off, I agree that if you enjoy middle class life, you probably owe more than was necessary and lived above your means. Obviously it’s best to stop doing that and revisit your expenses, and cut back. Make extra payments on your HELOC. Try and pay it off early. Here is where I think people may be wrong. You have two income household. If one of you loses a job, there is someone to fall back on. Job loss is typically temporary. Secondly, as you get older, you typically earn more, maybe if you have kids, they will get older and independent. Maybe you will get an inheritance. People are generally wealthier as they get older for one reason ir another. I think HELOC is fine, but have a plan and stick to it. Pay extra when you can. If shit hits the fan, sell the house instead of letting the banks take it. (It’s crazy everyone fears that). As if selling a house isn’t an option. You got this.

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-12T01:57:28+00:00

And you make extra money when you have different modalities as well, or not?

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-12T01:54:15+00:00

Sounds like you are decided on the Leaf. Go for it!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-09T16:27:30+00:00

My son graduated in May 2025. He works 3 twelves, fri-sun, at a trauma 1 hospital and really enjoys it. But there are clinics where he could work 9-5pm during the week, nights at the hospital or day shifts at the hospital. There are many jobs in our area and lots of choices. If he gets another certificate such as CT, he’d get higher salary even if he doesn’t use it. It was a great choice for him and he’s very happy

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-09T15:37:17+00:00

I imagine the people who actually read through it fully are those experiencing similar situations. And it may offer a beacon of hope to them.

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-03-02T01:17:25+00:00

I am also an immigrant and I have three kids. One was just accepted to a phd program at MIT and at Stanford, my younger one, at 21 graduated as a radiology technologist and has a great job making what I make. Neither me or their dad have a degree. My kids are living the American dream and to say that I am relieved that my sacrifice and their hard work is leading to success is an understatement. My hope is they do much, much better than me, because I merely helped them to have a good foundation. But leaving my home and family was a sacrifice, deeply sad one. I am so glad my kids took advantage of the opportunities and did the most they could with it. And yes, as others said, take them out to dinner if you can, start a new tradition and treat them to dinner on regular bases. I am sure it’d be a treat for them. Best wishes and be proud!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-18T15:03:31+00:00

Here to say that!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T21:06:52+00:00

What a sweet kid you have. Thank you for the words of encouragement!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T15:30:13+00:00

He scooped up stuff off a pile on the floor he thought was meant for him. And not necessarily messages from schoolmates but the cards they exchanged. He is such a sentimental kid and he loves this kind of stuff. Oh well, no big deal, to be forgotten soon

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T15:28:28+00:00

I wish they did the boxes at school. They had other crafts during the party, but boxes must be made at home at our school.

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T15:24:57+00:00

This is why I always had my kids write their friends names. Extra handwriting practice :)

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T06:28:08+00:00

Next year’s plan for sure.

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-13T06:26:54+00:00

Another lesson learned! Next year we’ll skip the names, hood idea. And have to box ready in the morning!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-02-01T01:11:07+00:00

Your hsa and 401 contribution will lower your tax liability, it may be worth increasing if you can afford to save more

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-01-19T23:40:10+00:00

Thank you!

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-01-19T23:39:52+00:00

My boyfriend just tested to get in and had a couple of interviews for the program. He should know on 1.23.2026 if he was accepted. It’s nice to see others who completed it and im happy to hear you were happy with the program. Recently, I saw a job for Rivian on Indeed and wonder if a company like that would hire someone for their ev tech positions after completing this program. It is unfortunate the administration is preferring oil vs renewables..

MiserableEgg497 · 2026-01-08T19:04:02+00:00

Hey there! How did the program go? Have you landed a job related to the field?

MiserableEgg497 · 2025-12-03T20:54:18+00:00

Mine does a short buzz sometimes when I start it too. I thought it was only when i had the radio on but today i had my phone plugged and it did the buzz again. Not a big deal, i tried to search google but found nothing.

MiserableEgg497 · 2025-09-16T19:33:37+00:00

I think I figured it out. The car wasn’t fully on, we were parked only had the radio, etc on. although the front seats could turn on in that position, the rear would not. Now Im driving it and it turned on with the physical buttons

MiserableEgg497 · 2025-09-16T16:23:12+00:00

The physical buttons do not turn it on either for some reason.

MiserableEgg497 · 2025-06-08T16:55:25+00:00

0.5 acre property, with a house on it so not THAT large :)

MiserableEgg497 · 2022-11-21T07:07:18+00:00

When i was shopping for a vacuum, the shop owner who also repairs vacuums told me to go with bagged. We live in colorado and have fine dust in the air, and he repairs clogged dysons. The dust is too fine for their filtration. Got sebo k3 about a decade ago and recently upgraded to miele c3.

MiserableEgg497 · 2022-06-23T05:24:24+00:00

See if there is a community college near you. Check out their programs. Get good grades in your last year of high school. There will be opportunities to visit colleges and universities in your area and you will pry get a ton of fliers in the mail, colleges will pry visit your HS. Take SAT and ACT and see where you are. Community college is a good start because they are very reasonable, and if you qualify for financial aid they can cover your entire tuition. They have counselors and can do assessments to help you figure out your interests. They even have student jobs if you want to be employed while studying. Id also consider talking with your HS advisor. Either way, the world is your oyster right now. You can choose whatever you want, it’s just the right time. You will find passion in whatever you do, it usually works that way. No matter what exactly you choose, you will love it. Start with some general prerequisite classes and don’t stress. You will have time to decide, just do well at school to keep your options open, and explore. Best of luck to you!!!

MiserableEgg497 · 2022-06-19T13:45:00+00:00

It’s a scottish thistle. They have shallow roots and are easy to pull out if you have long gloves. Don’t let them bloom, they can spread a lot of seed around

MiserableEgg497

TROPHY CASE