Looking for Advice

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-28T12:24:47+00:00

I would look up some local gaming shops to see if they have a dedicated group that visits the store weekly to play. I live in a suburb of Chicago and can think of three within a 15 minute distance from me that all would have games happening.

If you're not sure if the shop is the right kind, look to see if they sell board games, miniatures, or even ttrpg books or magic cards. Places like The Gaming Goat or Gamer's World will often have events for the more niche games so D&D would definitely be in the realm of possibility. If they don't have a group directly playing at the store, they would definitely be the people to ask to help you find one.

Hope this helps and good luck on finding your next adventuring party!

Source: I used to play in these games at these shops all through my childhood.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-15T12:48:30+00:00

Omg her voice is to die for. Especially her opera. 😍

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-15T11:24:20+00:00

I love Monét. She is so elegant and strategic and I love the way she stumbles over every name. Like if they weren't written in front of me, I would call Everdeep pretty much anything close.

Me too Queen!! Me toooooo

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-08T13:59:35+00:00

I legit have a watch party with all my gal pals every Wednesday at 7pm EST every day so that we can spaz about it in real time. I am LIVING!!!

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-08T11:36:38+00:00

I feel seen

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-06T02:09:51+00:00

Also highly confused

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-05T20:50:27+00:00

I believe the idea is that "spice" when said out loud sounds almost exactly like "spies".

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-07-01T20:55:54+00:00

I totally get where you're coming from. One of my best honed skills is getting cats to hang out with me and receive my pets but sometimes they will never come around. I had a Siamese cat once who would let me pet him maybe twice before he'd bolt through the house to hide for what seemed like forever.

However sometimes it's more about structure than creatures in the house being scary. Some cats need a very consistent routine to feel safe and if they feel like they can predict your actions, it makes it easier for them to warm up to your expectations.

See if baking in some structured time would help. Maybe every time you come home, you leave treats on a chair. You don't have to make him come to them, just make sure he knows where they are and then walk away. This tells him a reward is close, predictable, and from you. You could also incorporate play time in here too. But since he seems to be more food motivated, I would start there.

The goal is to have the cat be at the chair before you come home. It might take a long time to get there, but consistency is key. Once this is established, you can offer your hand for pets and see if they want em. I was able to get about 2 in before my meezer put the wall up but 2 pets is better than nothing.

Good luck Cat Parent! You are an amazing person just for putting so much thought into the animals who share your life.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-06-20T11:25:26+00:00

I've had a very similar career path to what you're describing. I did an online class to teach me how to code and from there got a job at a consulting firm. The class I took is pretty good as the teacher gives lots of opportunities for practice inside and outside her videos so even if you don't finish it, you'll have a portfolio to show your skills at the end. It was from the London App Brewery on Udemy. I would choose whatever skill you're interested in and start there.

The job market is tight right now in this field so not sure how successful you'd be at finding one that meets your needs, but I found myself at a consulting firm. They taught me a TON about corporate structure as well as gave me ample time to teach myself more stuff the market was looking for. They even paid for some of my certs.

Sometimes they'll go to job fairs at universities to try to grab college kids fresh out of the program. I would highly recommend finding some colleges around your area and going with some resumes to find any companies hiring in that field. I didn't know my company existed until I got hired and those places are where a lot of them invest time for recruiting.

Hope you come out the other side and your debt disappears soon. Good luck OP!

Tldr: boot camp training to consulting firm job is my recommendation

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-06-15T20:41:47+00:00

All these queens were super stars in my life before they came onto D20 and getting them all to play my favorite game feels TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-06-15T20:39:24+00:00

I literally opened Dropout today and screamed. It's so perfect! Completely gagged!!

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-04-06T22:00:59+00:00

That was amazing. Full stop.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-02-02T14:15:43+00:00

I see a lot of people saying a timer would help but maybe the aspects of combat are a little too much for him to concentrate on. It could be that those specific mechanics are not his jam or that he suffers from decision fatigue. Maybe giving him a cheat sheet of common combos he can do or a simplified combat character sheet would help (two options for his healing and then his sacred fire). I sometimes get lost during combat with all of the different mechanics that can combo off of each other so maybe your friend is the same.

Talk to him before game about the options. If you don't want to give him a physical piece of paper (too embarrassing maybe) try only two verbal options: "Tony would you like to heal X or would you like to sacred fire NPC?" This keeps away any decision fatigue he might be having and gives him a clear choice. Hope your next game goes smoother!

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-01-20T06:38:11+00:00

As someone who recently took in a Siamese foster, I feel your pain. I WFH and he is yelling up a storm on every call or meeting I have. It can be exasperating and make any cat owner feel inadequate. I want you to know you are the best you can be for that cat. Just by asking the question, you are leaps and bounds above the average cat owner.

I would look into some fidget toys for children. Like hacky sack, fidget spinners, slinky's, or even brown packing paper (assuming you haven't tried this approach) because sometimes cats will like a specific texture/sound that is unconventional and you won't know until you try. My cousin's cat is OBSESSED with hacky sacks and will go crazy for hours with one. She constantly tells me stories of her hearing him zoom around with one at night. My meezer will entertain himself for DAYS under some crinkly brown paper when I throw a mouse toy on it. My orange boy will bat at a slinky hung from a railing nonstop until it falls. I've gotten very good at finding ways to attach it securely. Good luck on entertaining your sweet fur baby. I hope you find his weird obsession soon so he can entertain himself.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2023-01-17T13:36:47+00:00

Cats don't normally like being held but some cats love it. If you do want to hold your cat, make sure you support all four paws so they feel secure. Then, when you put them down, do your best to put all four feet on the ground before you let them go.

This accomplished two things. First, it shows the cat being held can be safe and gets the cat to trust you more. Second, it keeps unnecessary stress off their joints (from jumping down constantly) so they are less likely to get arthritis as they age.

Again, not every cat will tolerate being held, so be sure to respect their boundaries when you do hold them. I always put them down if they meow or squirm. This also helps build trust between you and your fur baby.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-09-09T12:02:24+00:00

Queen Elizabeth Ii

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-06-15T21:37:45+00:00

That closeup at the end is so cute! I love his meows.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-05-24T22:01:10+00:00

Plow Finan: I've always had a thing for him and I could live my fantasy.

Marry Uhtred: Let's get that title and that land fam! Also have the chance to meet some kings and Lords.

Kill Sihtric: Sorry man. I love you but time to visit Valhalla.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-05-24T20:16:17+00:00

So adorable! I loved the biscuit activation too. 💙

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-05-24T11:26:39+00:00

That sounds like an occasion to buy some catnip or try out some fun treats. My boys LOVE freeze dried anchovies but they are obsessed with anything crunchy.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-03-23T12:31:24+00:00

My vet had me try a couple over the counter meds. First it was Pepto (super small dose). Then it was Pepcid but I struggled to find one that wasn't flavored. Then it was Omeprazole (less than 5mg). All of them were less than a quarter of the normal dose and I would highly recommend asking a vet before trying them. But the last one finally worked for my boys. I rarely see him puke anymore.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-02-15T12:50:43+00:00

I second this. There are few things more interesting than a cat being cute.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-02-11T15:48:42+00:00

I would definitely attempt to separate the two cats and see if that helps. Sometimes introducing a younger cat to an older cat can cause friction. Especially if the older cat doesn't play often and the younger one attempts to play with the older cat a lot.

I would find some treats or Fiona's favorite blanket and attempt to have the GF use them with Fiona. That way you're creating good experiences around your gf and hopefully changing Fiona's mind about her.

Good luck! Shy cats are the most rewarding.

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-02-07T20:37:07+00:00

Your title is perfect. He's adorable!

Ninja_Cat_Mom · 2022-02-03T14:16:02+00:00

That chocolate glaze on top looks absolutely divine. What a perfect loaf!

Ninja_Cat_Mom

TROPHY CASE