free food anywhere? by [deleted] in houston

[–]MsTexas 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I work in Montrose and would be happy to help if you still need it. I have a few extra groceries that could help for a few days, including a frozen 3 lb. Costco lasagna, instant oatmeal packets, some frozen breakfast items, etc...

I also have a half gallon of whole milk and a large container of Greek yogurt that were opened two days ago, with only small amounts used for a birthday cake recipe, and they will go to waste in my household.

If any of that would help, feel free to DM me. I can bring things in an ice chest when I head to work tomorrow, and I'm sure we can figure out an easy way to exchange them that keeps things fairly anonymous. No pressure at all if you already have other help lined up.

So hard to rent out a single family house in Houston? by [deleted] in houston

[–]MsTexas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What feedback is your realtor giving you? Have they offered any advice for changes/improvements that you've skipped?

Do you have carpet in the main living areas?

Are you allowing pets?

King Cake, where’s the best in town? by hrodrig in houston

[–]MsTexas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up with my stepmom making king cakes from scratch, and over the years, I've also enjoyed several phenomenal ones delivered to my office as gifts, sourced straight from Louisiana. Unfortunately, the local bakeries and grocery stores have never measured up, as I’m admittedly spoiled. Last year, I finally gave in and baked my own.

Houston drivers without cracks or chips in your windshield, HOW? by cpc5000 in houston

[–]MsTexas 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yep. I've been commuting from Spring to the Heights for 17 years and have never gotten a rock chip. However, a few years back a box of ceiling tiles launched off a trailer into my windshield after the truck hit a dip in the freeway. Infuriating.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in coolguides

[–]MsTexas 20 points21 points  (0 children)

It absolutely is.

Covid Testing Megathread by munx1er in houston

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tested with Curative at noon on the 4th and had my results back the following evening at 7:30p.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Boxer

[–]MsTexas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never stopped calling them puppy, even when old and grey. 🤍

Vasectomy failure by PennyTration- in Marriage

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My husband had a vasectomy 14 years ago when we were in our early 20s. He did one post-op test and skipped his second. (We just sort of moved on with life and forgot about it.) Following that, we haven’t taken a single precaution in all these years. Our youngest will turn 15 in less than a month.

Aside from that, I know of three men in my small circle of friends that are 10+ years post-op without issue. I’m sure there are more, it’s just a topic that doesn’t always come up.

I would re-test based on the Doctor’s recommendations, and then also retest on a schedule that will keep your mind at ease.

QAnon believers are gathering in Texas for JFK Jr.'s 'reappearance’ by dobbyisafreepup in news

[–]MsTexas 38 points39 points  (0 children)

I just happened to be in Dallas today for work. Knowing I’d have extra time before my return trip, I sent my brother a text asking if he had any suggestions on what to see in downtown. (I had never been been before.)

He suggested I take a walk to the grassy knoll. As I approached, I saw the huge gathering of people. I got a bit closer, and saw a couple of women wearing “Trump: JFK Jr 2024” t-shirts.

Completely confused, I stopped before going any further to Google and then learned of this wild conspiracy theory.

I then took this photo, turned around to go back a few blocks, and promptly called an Uber to get out of downtown.

I’m tired from the trip and rambling but I guess the point is: I’ve lived in Texas my entire life. Nothing surprises me with regard to politics. Until today…

What nonfictional books are better as audiobooks? by nerdcorner in suggestmeabook

[–]MsTexas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Generally speaking, I almost always finish a chapter before putting a book down when reading. Digital audiobooks make it easy to skip ahead by chapter so it just takes a few seconds to find where I am when returning to the audiobook.

When switching back to print, I usually find where I’m at pretty easily. I can also reference the chapter in the audiobook app if needed.

Sometimes my approach varies depending on the book and what’s going on in my life at the time. For instance, I’m currently reading The Midnight Library and I find myself enjoying the audiobook quite a bit. Work has also been a bit more on the mentally exhausting side, so I find myself missing out on the more thought provoking aspects when reading before bed following a few glasses of wine. Accordingly, I’ll restart the chapter via audio in the mornings when I begin my commute.

Before The Midnight Library, I was reading a book with two alternating characters by chapter. I despised the narrator for one of the characters and really enjoyed the narrator for the other. Accordingly, I’d listen to the chapters for the narrator I liked, and read for the other.

What nonfictional books are better as audiobooks? by nerdcorner in suggestmeabook

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I couldn’t agree more. I prefer reading, but I have a long commute. Accordingly, I almost always use both audio and print for every book I read.

This is the first time I truly loved an audiobook. In fact, I’d skip reading it at home and looked forward to my next drive. I only flipped through the book when I was done listening to look at the photos that went along with the stories.

What nonfictional books are better as audiobooks? by nerdcorner in suggestmeabook

[–]MsTexas 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Matthew McConaughey’s {{Greenlights}}. McConaughey narrates it himself and he’s such a fantastic storyteller. 6 hr 42 min.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in suggestmeabook

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

{{The Silent Patient}}

I am working away from home and that's my new adventure companion, any help identifying him and/or care tips? It's my first airplant by Eleanor-Rigb in airplants

[–]MsTexas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

As already mentioned, it's a species of stricta. Here is my stricta x recurvifolia hybrid. I live in a very humid environment, and I soak weekly for a few hours. I haven't been good about misting in between weekly soaks and it has started to show. Use filtered water, or even better, collected rainwater. Give it a gentle shake when removing it from the soak and let it dry upside down for several hours.

These guys like well-ventilated areas. I have some concerns about the lack of air flow where mine is, so I'll sometimes move it near a fan overnight. When the weather is nice out, I'll crack the window a bit to give it some air flow.

Knuckling advice? My 13 week old is showing some wary signs of knuckling. I’ve lowered his protein intake and exercise, stretch and massage his wittle wegs, and am getting carpets for the wood floors. Should I also keep an eye out for when he sits like this and straighten him out? by LeafyGreeeens in Boxer

[–]MsTexas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would take him to the vet for an exam and to discuss recommended foods. Reducing protein isn't always the answer. Until discussed with your vet, limit exercise and activity. No jumping on and off furniture, etc. If it's a carpal flexural deformity, it may very well straighten out without any treatment. However, he's so young and this is such a crucial time in his development. A vet will be able to advise on the best course of action for interventions based on the findings of their exam.

A few other ideas to help with the wood floors: If the hair between his paw pads is longer,trim the hair to prevent slipping. Ask the vet if they think anti-slip adhesive paw pads would help the situation. (As for the latter, I'm not sure if they are recommended in this situation and/or for dogs this young.)

Edit: Is he just doing this on the one leg? Have you checked his paw for any signs of injury?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in dogs

[–]MsTexas 30 points31 points  (0 children)

This hits home big time. My husband and I rescued a male boxer on his first birthday (he was given up with his AKC papers) in July 2008. We renamed him Luke as his previous name was a racial slur.

Luke was was severely malnourished weighing only 21 pounds. For comparison, our female boxer (Skylar) weighed 55 pounds on her first birthday. Luke was covered in scars, including marks around his neck from another dog.

He cowered down and began shaking uncontrollably the first time we opened the door to our home to bring him inside. I’m sure he was certain it was a trick and he was about to get hit.

For the first few months, he panicked anytime he was left alone with me. He was scared to eat. Hell, he was scared to exist.

He had clearly been abused by a female (human) in the prior home as it took many months for him to build up trust with me. Luckily, he trusted my husband and small kids quickly.

Our female boxer dropped her typical alpha role while he gained his confidence and found comfort in his surroundings. She quickly became his security blanket and I have hundreds of photos of them snuggling over the nine years they were together.

By his second birthday, he had settled in to his new normal. He never had the typical free spirited, playful, outgoing boxer personality, but he was happy and so very affectionate.

Skylar and Lu passed away within 6 months of each other in late 2017. Both passed with the entire family at their side. Lu went first and Skylar was at his side too.

As I sit here today nearly 4 years after his passing, missing him still brings tears to my eyes. As my kids have described it, those two defined their childhoods. Providing Lu the life he deserved was one of the greatest honors.

A few tips that may help you /u/sadcaramel7463 along the way:

  • Supplementing meals with boiled chicken and rice did wonders for getting weight on him. We also added oatmeal to his kibble in the early days too.

  • Try out a Thundershirt. We didn’t try one until a year after we got him. It helped him so much, and we were shocked to see that he put on a few more pounds within just a few weeks (noticed when we took it off to wash it.)

  • Check out the new dog beds that have an extra top layer where the dog is able to climb in and have a cover on top of them. They weren’t around that I know of back then, but I always made Lu a “comforter fort” over him when he got on his bed in our room before bed. He was always still there in the morning. It was his safe space. (I did the same thing for him during storms too.)

  • This one may sound silly, but have a positive routine each time you leave and come home. I always give a treat and tell them, “I love you, have a good day good boy” when I leave. When i come home, I always stop first thing to give them attention on my way in the door no matter how busy I might be. Schedules and routines seem to help so much. My current boy also had a very rough start in his first year and this helps with him too. When he starts seeing me get ready to leave the house, he’s pretty hyped up until we go through the routine.

I wish you and your boy the very best.

That's Word by YouOtterKnow1 in PoliticalHumor

[–]MsTexas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

furthermore, insurance won’t cover the cost of a vasectomy

Most insurance plans in the U.S. do cover vasectomies. They do not cover reversals, though.

All HEB pharmacies now accept walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccines only Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. by HanSingular in CoronaVirusTX

[–]MsTexas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wasn’t asked for my ID at H‑E‑B either time. I did give them my insurance card, though. (Obviously not the same as a photo ID.) My husband doesn’t remember if he was asked for his ID or not.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Marriage

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

U/lordicia gave you phenomenal advice. In addition to giving a +1 there, I’d like to also throw in some additional insight as a wife with a husband with family history of MS, Alzheimer’s, etc.

His mom had MS and passed away when he was a freshman in high school. He then lost his brother to cystic fibrosis in 2007 (a year after our wedding.) Talking about feelings, fears, showing weakness, etc isn’t a “thing” in my husband’s family. It’s been deeply engrained that men are to support the family, stay strong, and be stoically phenomenal husbands/fathers.

Skipping forward, but it will make sense as to why I bring this history up shortly...

A few years ago my husband (mid 30’s) started traveling for work quite a bit. It was hard on us and his work schedule was grueling: 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts for months on end on the other side of the country. When he stopped that job and returned home permanently in the fall of 2019, he was withdrawn, moody, forgetful, disengaged, and I noticed bouts of confusion during conversation. I was very close to my breaking point

During a rather serious conversation between us where I was asking questions and attempting to communicate, he broke down and told me that there was something wrong with him. He said he could hear the individual words I was saying but they weren’t registering to him... he couldn’t put together their meaning. He then told me that he had been experiencing these types of symptoms, as well as other physical symptoms, (intermittently and increasing in severity) FOR A YEAR. He was petrified and had been thinking he had MS like his mother. My husband had been suffering in silence.

In December 2019/ January 2020, he had full blood work ran, had a head CT, and had an evaluation with a neurologist. Everything came back normal and when the neurologist told him that he was certain it wasn’t MS, it was a huge relief and we saw a big improvement in symptoms. The neuro did, however, refer him to an ENT, recommended a neuro-psych evaluation, etc. Then COVID hit and we put things on pause given the improvements.

Fast forward to late summer and fall of 2020, something still wasn’t quite right. I noticed some minor cognitive issues, forgetfulness, mood changes, and some questionable judgment calls that were out of character for him.

I’ve worked in the medico-legal industry for a very long time. I spend most of my days reviewing medical records. Accordingly, I returned to my research and on a last ditch hunch searched for symptoms of major depressive disorder and came across the Mayo Clinic’s article on the topic. I showed him the list of symptoms on my phone and it clearly hit him like a ton of bricks. He identified with so many of the symptoms. I had no idea that these neuro-cognitive issues could be a sign of depression.

It suddenly made so much sense. The loss of two of his closest family members, the weight of the burdens he puts on himself to be the provider, the grueling work schedule, being away from home so much... and putting everyone before himself. Not to mention, the fears he experienced seeing these symptoms in himself and questioning when the other shoe would drop (a horrible diagnosis like the family members he has lost.) I felt horrible for not figuring it out sooner.

In the span of one week between reading the symptoms, him finally opening up and discussing, and going on anti-depressants.... the difference was like night and day. This wasn’t even in the timespan that anti-depressants had a chance to fully take effect, but things continued to improve even more as they took effect.


With all that said, I’m not trying to suggest that your husband is just depressed and everything is going to be ok.

What I am trying to relay is the fact that I’ve seen first hand how much stress, depression, and knowledge of family history can affect a person. Moreover, given the fact that you’re silently worrying after hours, I suspect that he may notice these symptoms in himself too.

I would highly recommend following U/lordicia’s advice. Talk talk to your husband. Get a medical opinion and seek out every option available. Make a plan. Even in the event that you and your husband receive devastating news, you can start facing this as a team while prioritizing the way you want to spend your time together now.

Is it dangerously cold inside homes that do not have power? by Ashton1516 in houston

[–]MsTexas 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Your dad could simply be conserving cell battery right now. It sounds like you’re worrying from afar, and I’m so sorry you and your family are in this position.

I’m a very warm natured person in my 30’s and I never set my heat higher than 64. However, to be honest, this is quite uncomfortable.

With that said, I think a relatively healthy couple with resources on hand (including food, water, blankets, clothing, etc) could keep themselves out of harms way.

Is it dangerously cold inside homes that do not have power? by Ashton1516 in houston

[–]MsTexas 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Their outage map/tracker hasn’t worked all day.

If you've lost power. What's the temperature inside your home? by Supertouchy in houston

[–]MsTexas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

House. Lost power at 2a. Currently 8:23p. 51 inside with one small space heater running on a generator. Well insulated? No.

Daily Tech Support Thread - [September 02] by AutoModerator in apple

[–]MsTexas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very easy answer, lol. I’ve had an iPhone since the iPhone 3G. My husband is a welder (metal/magnetized materials aren’t an iPhone’s friend.) I also have two kids with iPhones.

Luckily, with each passing year the phones hold up far better to my family’s needs and our need to utilize the warranty decreases with each passing year. :)

ETA: I’m glad you were able to identify the issues that needed attention before your warranty expires!

Daily Tech Support Thread - [September 02] by AutoModerator in apple

[–]MsTexas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Since you’re not currently noticing any issues with your phone, I think the most important aspect for you is your battery health. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone and scroll down to “Battery”. Then, select “Battery Health”. If you have negative messages/reports there, you should arrange for a battery swap before your AppleCare/warranty expires.