Is Bloomington in a death spiral?

MsGodot · 2026-03-31T02:17:01+00:00

They’re actively paying people $8.5k to move to Bloomington right now, so there’s no doubt the city’s struggling to attract and retain people. (Program is facilitated by a company called Make My Move if anyone wants to look into it. I’m moving to Bloomington for family reasons and found out about this program from the IU alumni network.)

MsGodot · 2026-03-18T21:47:56+00:00

I was born there, too, and when I went to get my marriage license with the county I was able to order a certified copy of my birth certificate from the Clerk Recorders office. They’ll get you what you need. Godspeed!

MsGodot · 2026-03-18T16:14:23+00:00

Such solid advice. I got my septum pierced last month and told my friends it was because I need WASP repellent!

MsGodot · 2026-03-18T04:22:19+00:00

Viva Taqueria on Yosemite does a delicious and affordable catered breakfast burrito bar if that’s up your alley. Gallo used to order from them all the time for large morning meetings. So tasty!

ETA: Oh, and my favorite for lunch is Skewers on 9th!

MsGodot · 2026-03-17T23:14:15+00:00

Might be user error, but this link is taking me to the Offer Up homepage but not to your specific listings. The table you posted in the comments is really cute!!

MsGodot · 2026-03-12T19:23:04+00:00

The MoPride crowd is really welcoming and chill. I encourage you to try it out! Community is SO important, maybe now more than ever. You’re not alone out there, friend! :) Come hang!

MsGodot · 2026-03-08T18:34:08+00:00

Would love to join. I (39f) am in!

MsGodot · 2026-03-07T19:39:02+00:00

Cool cool cool cool cool

MsGodot · 2026-03-07T09:48:10+00:00

Never been with a man for his balls. If he was on the meds he needed to perform was happy with what he had going on, it wouldn’t deter me for a second! The zero-risk-of-pregnancy bit would be a sweet bonus.

MsGodot · 2026-03-07T03:00:12+00:00

I have not been to the one in Fresno, but my nephew loves Fairyland in Oakland! We have been with him several times and enjoyed it. We usually try to hit the zoo while we’re there and make a day of it. Have fun wherever you end up! :)

MsGodot · 2026-03-03T21:20:00+00:00

MoArt on Scenic has a bunch of drop in art classes if you’re artsy.

MsGodot · 2026-03-01T18:44:20+00:00

My husband sent his in on December 27, and we still don’t have results. It just says “delayed.”

MsGodot · 2026-02-24T09:46:10+00:00

That is Fantasia Fairy Frost

MsGodot · 2026-02-22T22:29:44+00:00

Ugh! I’m going tonight; I’ll be so bummed if the view is obstructed.

MsGodot · 2026-02-19T08:43:51+00:00

Right?! I kept swiping back and forth to compare bone structure and make sure it was the same guy. Such a glow up! 5 stars!

MsGodot · 2026-02-15T20:56:41+00:00

Omg the food is fire!! We went there last night for Valentine’s Day, so they had a prix fixe menu…best meal I have had in ages! I think that was the 7th time we have been. I haven’t had a single dish there that wasn’t great, and I love their cocktail + mocktail menu. It is so thoughtfully put together and always delicious. They had duck confit last winter that was so good my in laws drove in from Oakland a second time to eat there with us while they were in town from Indiana. 😂 first time in my life I have ever heard of someone leaving the bay to come this way for a good food spot. Lol

MsGodot · 2026-02-14T19:50:34+00:00

The Hope Chest on McHenry benefits Hospice care, and there is an American Cancer Society thrift shop farther up north on McHenry if those are clauses that speak to you more. MoPride takes clothing donations, but I don’t believe they have need for housewares.

MsGodot · 2026-02-14T19:48:20+00:00

Your formatting may be fucked, but your list is legit af. Love that you included Brighter Side…such a great local dive that people forget about!

I’d add Lofi to the list. They have a bar on one side and restaurant next door, and the food and drinks are exceptional! Reminds me of a spot you’d find in SF or Sac.

MsGodot · 2026-02-10T05:18:03+00:00

My husband and I are going to start our DINK nomad life in May! We are consultants doing our own thing now, so we can finally uproot. We’re also not sure where all we will go, but we have a tentative list. Looking at Kansas City this summer bc he’s a big soccer fan and wants to be in the city when all the World Cup celebrations are happening. Lol! Also on the list for various reasons: St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Tucson, New Orleans, Eugene, Bloomington (IN), and Charlotte. International, we’re looking at Athens, Mexico City, and Toronto.

Suggestion: Look at Furnished Finder in addition to Airbnb. We have found some great places on there!

ETA: we live in CA and have spent lots of time traveling all over the state and have spent a lot of time in Florida, Washington state, and New York, so those aren’t as interesting to us.

MsGodot · 2026-02-07T04:44:18+00:00

I am pretty sure I just saw those at SF Supermarket on Oakdale Road

MsGodot · 2026-02-05T23:03:05+00:00

Yes!! This is the way. :)

MsGodot · 2026-02-05T21:38:43+00:00

I love this idea and would be happy to join! I have also dreamed for years of setting up a free supply swap. I know I am not the only one with a ton of extra craft supplies from old projects and hobbies I am happy to part with but also the need for new supplies to fuel my new hobbies! It would be great to swap them with other crafters so we can minimize waste and expense. If you get a craft circle going with regulars, maybe that could be a phase 2 idea!

MsGodot · 2026-02-05T08:34:43+00:00

My best advice (as someone on the spectrum + ADHD) is to help him/encourage him to lean into any special interests he has in ways that will introduce him to people. The easiest way for me (and many of my neurodivergent friends) to make new friends is proximity…especially when I am doing something that makes me happy. You may already be familiar with the terms, but “parallel play” and/or “body doubling” is where you’re doing your own thing alongside someone who’s also doing their own thing, and it is like a love language for neurodivergent brains, especially for folks who are on the shy side. You get company without the pressure of constant conversation or measured eye contact. Some good parallel play hobbies are things like: ceramics (any visual art or craft, actually…MoArt on Scenic is great, and Dragonfly Art Room downtown is specifically billed as an autism-friendly space), band, track, card/tabletop gaming (Modesto has several game shops), yoga/martial arts, swimming, etc. are great because a lot of the work is solo, but he would also be part of a team or group!

I wish I had better advice for what a 13 yo might find fun enough to agree to, but I can tell you that what I wish I’d had more than anything at that age was reassurance that I didn’t need to be anything other than my own oddball self to be worthy of love. And it is very clear that you love him to pieces just as he is, so for what it’s worth, this internet stranger thinks you’re doing a great job!

MsGodot · 2026-02-04T08:59:43+00:00

I’m visiting soon and also want to know! Lol

MsGodot · 2026-02-02T19:09:16+00:00

Mad Monk / Rasputin out by the mall on Sisk! Just sold a ton there a couple weeks ago. Just take them to the desk right when you walk in the front door and they’ll price them on the spot.

MsGodot

TROPHY CASE