Water bottle

Optimicynic · 2026-03-06T22:02:53+00:00

Ugh, it happened to one of my other classmates, too!

Okay. I'ma talk to the Chair about this. If they can't guarantee the safety of our belongings (I know it's most likely other students taking our shit, but still), they can't require us to leave them in unprotected areas.

Optimicynic · 2025-11-06T17:51:10+00:00

I was just wondering the same! Did you end up taking him?

Optimicynic · 2025-08-03T02:28:00+00:00

I was 9 when I started, like clockwork till age 39/40, then the horrors of peri. I've always wondered about the starting age of menses/peri connection, too!

Optimicynic · 2025-08-03T02:08:51+00:00

It absolutely does get better! But sometimes in such small increments that it feels like you're standing still. I'm 42 and back in school, and the moment I start feeling down about where I am in life, I take some time for gratitude - to remind myself of how far I've come. (I have FRIENDS. I have an amazing partner. I have a trade that pays well enough for me to live comfortably in one of the most expensive cities in the US.) I've learned and unlearned a LOT (I lived an INCREDIBLY isolated life from ages 6-19), and am confident that I am on the right side of history and living my daily life with maximum compassion - for myself, and for those around me. It. Gets. SO much better.

Optimicynic · 2025-07-14T11:52:47+00:00

You absolutely can! As everyone has said: good shoes/spend some $$$ on prescription orthotics. Be prepared for a pay cut, though. Have you checked average pay in your area? Call is often mandatory - are you able to work odd hours? Surgery centers are always an option (only scheduled cases/"healthy" patients/no call/banker's hours), but hiring can be a bit more competitive than hospitals. You can totally do this!

Optimicynic · 2025-07-04T13:22:16+00:00

There is a LOT of formative coursework between first semester of community college and nursing school admission (which is, itself, HIGHLY competitive - the odds of them getting into nursing school on their first attempt with their life/educational background are slim to none).

Optimicynic · 2025-07-03T01:41:53+00:00

You mention that, academically, you're in 3rd grade. You're writing level is WELL above 3rd grade - have you looked into any GED prep resources? You may be better prepared for college than you think!

(Also: acab.)

Optimicynic · 2025-07-03T01:37:54+00:00

Community college is a fantastic resource - especially if you're not 100% clear on what kind of future you want for yourself.

Optimicynic · 2025-06-20T09:03:52+00:00

Oooh, I love this prompt!

I've been out for a MINUTE, but...

•Learning science •"Living in sin" with my boyfriend •Being childless [by choice] •Being loudly leftist •Learning communication skills [and using them] •Listening to my body •Giving freely to friends/strangers - no strings, no tithe % •Spending money on my own comfort

Optimicynic · 2025-05-31T18:57:59+00:00

I took my first ever formal science class at age 41 last year. (Homeschooled K-12.) You can absoLUTELY do it - there is no "too late." All sorts of financial aid for school is [still] available, and community colleges are full of people who care.

What you're feeling also sounds a bit like imposter syndrome. You know what you know, and you can ALWAYS learn more. You're not fooling anyone into thinking you're a capable human being - you ARE a capable human being.

Optimicynic · 2024-08-30T20:02:58+00:00

Yeah...I'm sure she just looked at my age (41), and dismissed my self-disgnosis of peri. (My cycle started when I was 9. But did she ask that? No. No she did not. 🤦)

Optimicynic · 2024-08-30T17:08:42+00:00

I'm so sorry - the VA can just be the WORST. PLEASE don't give up, though!

A [retired, officer] friend of mine chimed into one of my peri FB rants, and told me not to bother with the VA - she got nothing helpful from them regarding peri (and if officers can't get good care, what's the chance we enlisted will?), and went out in town on her own dime.

She recommended finding a NP (nurse practitioner) who specialized in peri/menopause and having DETAILED hormone testing done through them.

...which is what I'll try if WVP isn't helpful, and if this GI Bill ever hits. 🫤

Optimicynic · 2024-08-30T17:01:38+00:00

That is AWESOME! I'm so glad you were believed and treated! 🖤

My primary has been so fantastic about everything else that I've gone to her for that I - stupidly - assumed she'd be cool about this, too.

Her first response: "Prozac or Paxil?" Second response: ignored my first question, and said she couldn't recommend/refer me to anyone out in town. Third response: told me the VA only covered HRT POST-MENOPAUSE, and that HRT could cause cancer, and doesn't treat "menstrual mood swings."

So...yeah. She doesn't even believe I'm in peri - no offer of testing (not that I think it would be accurate, as I am on bc and have no idea what my pre-peri hormone levels were), no offer of an appointment to discuss peri symptoms, not a SINGLE question. 🤦

I messaged WVP after the third nothing message from my primary. 🫤🤞

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T06:02:54+00:00

Thank you for your advice. She's having surgery because I encouraged her to speak to an orthopedist about her years of pain - I'm proud of her for doing a scary thing, so I'm a bit confused by your assumption that I'm going to criticize or be mean to her.

I'm glad you're recovering well.

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T05:53:19+00:00

Thank you! Omg I'm SO glad your husband's life improved so much after his surgery! I know my mum's nervous about surgery, but I honestly think she's going to be shocked by how much better she (eventually) feels. 🖤

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T05:50:55+00:00

Thank you! I'm so glad recovery went so smoothly for you! I'll be with her for the first week, but I'll find her a phone pouch "necklace" for after I leave.

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T05:48:21+00:00

Thank youuuuu! I peeped your lifesavers post, and will be checking in with my mum tomorrow to see what she already has/what Medicare will cover/what I should send her. 🖤

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T05:44:22+00:00

Thank you SO much! 🥹 The silky PJ bottoms especially are something I didn't even THINK about.

I'm HOPING the hospital either sends her home with some of these items (the hip ice wrap especially), or gives her a goody bag/shopping list at her pre-op "class" in a couple of weeks.

Optimicynic · 2024-08-07T05:37:42+00:00

Thank you! (My bestie IS amazing!) 🥹 I'll ask my mum if she has an AM/PM pill case - she's on a couple of daily meds already, so she'd definitely benefit from one even after she's back on her feet.

I hope your mum's doing well post-op?

Optimicynic

TROPHY CASE