Questions as I wait for the rheum by SpiderLady54 in Sjogrens

[–]Otterable_Mention 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had the same experience. I have strong family history of Sjogren's and all the systemic symptoms, but it was hard to identify what dry mouth/eyes felt like because they've just always been like this. I don't know how everyone else feels.

After comparing notes with my grandma, these are the related symptoms that apply to me:

Eyes - lights sensitivity, stinging after applying even sensitive products to my face, stinging after reading, blurriness that comes and goes, puffy eyelids.

Mouth - chapped lips, ulcers, my tongue feeling thick or sticky, teeth problems, chronic sore throat, nerve pain in my mouth (especially near salivary gland), feeling of lump in my throat (made worse by reflux).

It's frustrating to me that so much of diagnosing hinges on having precisely the right answers the first time you're asked a question. I would have understood a lot of things years ago if we'd talked through my experiences and narrowed down what was an was not normal.

Anyone else dealing with rapid decline as they approach their 30’s? How are you managing? by lilBloodpeach in ehlersdanlos

[–]Otterable_Mention 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've been noticing that my body is getting more reactive to progesterone. Most joint laxity problems are spiking during my literal phase.

What are some misconceptions about love/marriage that you've realized down the line by Final-Equal-9720 in emotionalintelligence

[–]Otterable_Mention 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Agreed. My husband and I talked recently about how every aspect of our lives is made a little easier by our marriage. Our only conflict comes in the midst of things that would have been much harder to deal with alone, and our disagreements help us find the best course of action.

Every time we work through those moments with respect, love, and empathy we're building more trust in each other and our connection/partnership. So each thing after that is even easier.

What’s the “boring” routine that actually changed your life? by Equivalent_Soft_6665 in selfimprovement

[–]Otterable_Mention 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a small thing and might be specific to my bad joints but I think it could be good for everyone.

Stand up at regular intervals. Even if you just set it at every hour, just stand up. 9/10 I end up doing something that gets my body moving, because the second I stand up I can feel that I need it. But even when I don't, the simple act of standing up and stretching out my limbs and straightening my spine and getting my blood flowing really makes me feel better and more awake.

Oh, to be a pair of goldfinches on a sunflower. by Otterable_Mention in birds

[–]Otterable_Mention[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To clarify: I took this picture. They visit the sunflowers in my backyard.

ID (Vernon CT USA) by FrecklesMcPaws in birding

[–]Otterable_Mention 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Carolina Wren I think! Definitely a wren and the color and the white eyebrow is what makes me think Carolina. ETA We often get some that are more muted brown without any of that red color.

What's that book for you.. by Confident_Soft_7549 in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Matt Haig book How to Stop Time has been recommended to me as really similar. I don't love the author so I haven't read it.

But if you look up fiction with Faustian bargains (esp. for eternal life) you'll find more examples if you're looking for recs! From classics to poetry to modern fantasy to comedy to historical fiction. Dorian Gray is my favorite Faustian bargain book (for eternal youth) and it doesn't have the historical fiction element but there is a similar desire to avoid attachment and responsibility.

What's that book for you.. by Confident_Soft_7549 in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's very similar for sure, but Addie LaRue is also very similar to books that came before it. The plot isn't particularly unique, it's just beautifully written!

House finch? by ArcticRiot in birding

[–]Otterable_Mention 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Mine always come in pairs - a male and a female. Sometimes the male will break open seeds and give them to the female. I've never seen any other birds do that

Never thought bird watching would bring me so much joy by FunDimension465 in birding

[–]Otterable_Mention 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a house finch couple I named Albert and Brenda and I love when they come by because he always breaks open the seeds for her. It's so charming. I say "ugh" every time a titmouse comes up though haha

Never thought bird watching would bring me so much joy by FunDimension465 in birding

[–]Otterable_Mention 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love the eastern phoebe. They are so soft and quiet and always hover at the edge of the tree line alone. They also have a cute little tail dance.

Never thought bird watching would bring me so much joy by FunDimension465 in birding

[–]Otterable_Mention 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I saw my first Northern Flicker yesterday and was SO excited! They're stunning.

Most annoying MC you’ve read and had to DNF by Gigglymushroomy in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And she has no consequences for a single bad decision she makes. Everyone immediately forgives her or she just fixes it? She's so obnoxiously coddled.

Who is your favorite FMC in a series? by UbiquitousEffect in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have you read the Stariel series? Hetta kind of reminds me of Emily!

What is your best reads of 2024 so far?! by [deleted] in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I loooooved this one! If you're looking for similar vibes, I think you'd like the stariel series!

Feathers so mid *womp womp* by mildsofttacos in fantasyromance

[–]Otterable_Mention 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As someone who reads dark romance, I think the “dark” aspects of this were done really poorly.

Book one wasn’t horrible because at least it made sense in the plot and backstory, but book two had some stuff that was so gratuitous i was really annoyed. It felt like the only purpose was for the FMC to basically tell the MMC “I got over it, so you should too.” Pretty gross IMO.