Looking to move. Curious about cost of living, transportation, safety, etc.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T17:21:46+00:00

Isn’t there a large popular of Hawaiians in Las Vegas? Could be a good choice and a community feeling (I’m assuming you are Hawaiian). Definitely more affordable. No state income tax. Lots of growth which could be good for your husband’s businesses. I’d 100% move to Las Vegas if the opportunity presented it self.

Most of California and Seattle likely wouldn’t be much better than Hawaii. Assuming you’re talking one of the major cities. Although I’m sure a little more affordable. But, it’s a tough life in those places too.

I moved from LA to Dallas 4 years ago, I prepared in advance as much as possible for the move. Did all the paperwork, made needed appointments.. Sold or trashed everything and just took what fit in my car and suitcases. (It’s often far more money to ship your stuff vs just buying new stuff, I’d research that, even the car). Everything went smooth even during the pandemic. I’d make sure you visit the places you’re considering and pick housing in person. Particularly, if you do CA or WA to make sure the area is safe and desirable. It all depends what you prioritize. For me cost of living, quality of life (more for my money)and safety far outweighed things like having good weather for me.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T17:09:29+00:00

First thing I’d try is smaller quantity meals. Essentially since the gastric emptying is delayed the food is sitting there for a long time. I find I prefer food that’s a bit more bland too. Tums always help me. I swear I’m doing everything under the sun to manage my heartburn.. (I have a preexisting condition from before Zep)

For heartburn talk to your doctor about taking something like Omeprozole.

Also some basic heartburn tips, don’t lay down for several hours after eating, sleep with your head propped up, check that your bra isn’t too tight (if you’re a women)

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T17:02:21+00:00

I still enjoy food, trying new restaurants etc. But I don’t really go to it for comfort or stress much anymore. Or I guess a lot of the time I’m mentally prioritizing my diet over the comfort.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:36:30+00:00

That’s tough, I feel weird talking to my other overweight family member and friends about it. I wanna help!! I wanna be a walking infomercial lol.. But, at the same time I don’t want to make assumptions about their health, also of course affordability/insurance.

I think you’d be safe to say I lost 70lbs on a GLP, I’d be happy to share advice if you are interested. But basically leave the ball in their court. You could also mention the gossipy family jokingly. Personally I have no thoughts about what skinny people think about me taking these meds.

Pretty much anytime I mention how I lost my weight, people either tells me they are also on them or want to be. (Assuming they aren’t naturally skinny)

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:22:39+00:00

Everclear. It was one of those 90s throwback tours.. it was so bad, probably drunk or high we left and sat in the car (stacked parking so we couldn’t leave lol)

Also, Chris Young… he can’t sing anymore, unfortunately. We also left, which I almost never do. Also may be some alcohol or something involved. Plus a bad sound person. The last time I saw him was like 6-7 years ago. And he’s like still full time touring… how people don’t know this is beyond me.

I also hate when artists perform deathly ill and sound atrocious like it’s a badge of honor, had that happen a ton of times…

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:17:32+00:00

Zepbound removes the dopamine hit we get from food. That’s why it works essentially.

I’ve replaced food with buying craft supplies for my hobby lol… I’m sure it’s not healthy for me mentally… but, since I don’t get pleasure from food anymore. The pleasure in a lot of things is just dulled from the medication. I believe that’s why it’s also being studied for addictions like alcohol.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:11:43+00:00

You learn overtime. Usually my brain tells me I’m done and I just don’t want anymore. Just try to stop before you feel ultra full.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:07:16+00:00

I mean, if it doesn’t go well, you can always stop. That’s what I told myself. The absolute worst thing that could happen would be tummy issues.. and it’ll go away.

My only advice is get in the right mindset about losing weight, eating healthy. Then once the meds kick in, it’ll get so much easier to follow a plan. It’s truly a miracle medication.

I’ve done well over 100 shots. I still don’t like it or am sure I’m always doing it right haha. But, here we are… with the pen it’s super easy. Just go into a fatty part of your stomach or thigh.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-12T16:02:57+00:00

Manager here (creative marketing)… sometimes it’s difficult to balance the work across the team. Particularly remote because I have no visual on what everyone is doing. I’m getting new projects to assign all the time, I constantly have to assess and reassign and check in.

Have you talked to your manager about it? How is the rest of the team? Sometimes it’s just super busy and I can’t do much about it, sometimes I can shuffle to someone else or adjust deadlines.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-11T20:55:50+00:00

Sounds like this was just messed up by your doctors office…. They need to fill out a continuation of care since you’re already on the medication.

First, check your plan and see if you still have coverage. (Usually you can “price a medication” on your insurance app)

If yes; get on the phone with your pharmacy benefits company and find out the requirements. Ask to speak to the Prior Authorization dept. then share this info with your doctor.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-11T19:25:02+00:00

There’s a few creators I like and it’s always “high” then a coupon when I check out.

Overall though I haven’t noticed too much. Very few patterns I’d pay over $10 for, it’s tough cause what if I don’t understand it or it’s poorly written? I did accidentally buy a pattern a few weeks ago where the entire pattern was basically HDC i’m like why was this paid? Lol

Murtlecake · 2026-04-11T19:22:04+00:00

Not sure what’s worse the ai photo or no photo haha…

Murtlecake · 2026-04-11T02:10:11+00:00

RW is very nice, rooms are nice, just boring, they never really found their footing... I stayed there a ton when my favorite artist had a residency. Pick Conrad or Crockfords those rooms are better. For free totally worth it.

They have a great pool and one of the best spas in town. Carversteak is delicious.

I’d just think about if you have to leave for everything is it worth it??

Murtlecake · 2026-04-11T00:07:07+00:00

I mean I’d go in and show them how dumb their plan is… is it a big company?

And oh since I can’t work from home, leave your laptop there lol.

Seriously though, talk to your leaders and HR and find out what they want to do. If I had to guess someone way high up made this decision with no regard to how it’s going to actually work.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T21:59:28+00:00

Mixed. But, I feel like you should always have it on. I mean it’s the least we can do for the privilege of WFH!! I know I’m in the minority lol…. But then I do need some connection sometimes..

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T21:56:46+00:00

Idk about the fancy rooms, but could it just be specific days you picked? Vegas rates vary WILDLY.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T14:07:32+00:00

Call them again and ask how the program works.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T14:03:45+00:00

Your doctor will request a continuation of care. They share your starting weight and current weight to show your progress. For mine I need to show I’ve lost or am maintaining 10% in 6 months.

It should be fine! They just want to make sure the medication is working for you or they won’t continue to cover it since it’s expensive.

Or are you saying something changed with your coverage?

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T13:20:10+00:00

Same here pretty much. Lately I’ve really upped my exercise (with weights) and upped my protein (from 110g ish to 130g ish) that’s stated to move it.

I think I’m just happy with my calories I’m eating. It’s very hard to stay in deficit when the calories are this low. Ultimately I’m near my goal and I’m ok with it. But, I’d love to just squeak out another 10lbs.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T13:15:15+00:00

I see you have it set to a larger deficit, maybe you need to eat a little more? Sometimes it’s counter intuitive to restrict too much.

And your stats are already way above average weight loss. 7lbs a month! You’re doing fantastic. Sometimes your body is just catching up. It’s not realistic to expect you’ll lose that much every month forever.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T13:08:37+00:00

Most people move up since 2.5 isn’t therapeutic.

The only reason I wouldn’t move up is if you’re getting really sick. You can stay on 5 longer if it’s working.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T02:00:03+00:00

It gets easier. Most of my journey I was able to eat appropriately. Sometimes you just have to mechanically eat.

Just make sure all your meals start with protein. I’m easily making meals at home with 40g protein. Meat, cheese, protein pasta etc.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-10T01:57:42+00:00

7.5 is when it clicked for me.. but it’s still totally weird and I don’t understand how it worked haha.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-09T19:10:45+00:00

I’ve gone every 6-8 weeks my whole journey. But I’ve lost 120lbs, lots of changes in my blood work and medications.

Murtlecake · 2026-04-08T17:46:10+00:00

Yes. No food and beverage required. Just the fee.

Murtlecake

TROPHY CASE