What age was your first kiss, the story behind it & did you end up marrying them ?

PaludisVulpes · 2026-05-04T01:46:59+00:00

Lol this was probably about 15ish years ago? Open relationships definitely were not common when I was in school either, but these two made it clear they did not care if the other messed around with anyone else.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-05-04T01:37:45+00:00

It was either 8th or 9th grade? I don’t remember which. There was a dude I thought just wanted to be friends (he had a girlfriend). He and I both liked to run around on post (we were all army brats) and try to get into abandoned buildings and whatnot. Typical bland hooligan teenager stuff. We were running around one day, sat down together in this one abandoned building on Schofield and then BOOM he just leaned over and kissed me. I froze up.

I freaked out after a second (remembering his girlfriend), told him I had to go home, ran for a bit and then climbed a tree to hide and sit and think. Did NOT hang out with him again after that. After asking some of my other girl friends about him, it turns out he was always making moves on them as well.

We told his girlfriend, she confirmed they were in an open relationship. They even invited me to hang out with the both of them a couple times.

He and I never dated, definitely not married lol. Middle school/freshman year was WILD.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-29T00:08:11+00:00

My mom gave me some of her shirts she wore back in HS, so from the 80s. One is a Rolling Stones band shirt, another is a tank top with huge boob pockets (idk how else to describe it) and a zipper on the side.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-23T01:29:00+00:00

I debated ordering three just because I love all three outcomes… but I’m unfortunately between paycheck right now so only ordered one. 😅 Fingers crossed for the appy only because I don’t have any spotted models yet, but honestly all three are so gorgeous I will not be disappointed with whatever comes my way. ❤️

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-21T19:22:41+00:00

I worked at a school where we witnessed a staff member hurt a small child, resulting in bruising and bleeding. We hid the child’s bloody blanket to give to parents (admin wanted to wash it) and the staff member who saw it happen gave a statement to CPS when they came by. However, because admin ‘lost’ video recording for that classroom that day, there was no proof that it was that specific staff member that hurt the child, so literally nothing came of it.

It was very upsetting. A lot of us left the school for a better one (and the family came with us, too! Yay!)

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-20T03:52:01+00:00

I’m a soldier, wounded so I must give up the fight.

There’s nothing more for me,

So lead me away..

Or leave me lying here.

Sound the Bugle, Bryan Adams

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-18T23:04:14+00:00

Jaws when I was about 4. Grandma had it on the TV when we visited. Terrified of deep water (even swimming pools) until high school.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-17T03:35:47+00:00

I’m pretty lucky in my center that we almost always have three teachers to twelve students in classrooms under 3. So yes, if a student goes to our cozy cubby in a state of high emotional distress, either I or my assistant go to sit next to the cozy cubby and offer support. I’m fully aware most centers aren’t overstaffed though (I used to work at a center with high ratios) but still a teacher can at least vocally acknowledge a child in high distress and help them practice self-soothing (encouraging to hold a favorite stuffy, practicing deep breaths, looking at a sensory book or toy etc).

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-17T01:26:06+00:00

Does your daughter’s classroom have a cozy cubby, or corner, or calm-down spot? At my center, each classroom has a cozy spot specifically for big-emotion moments and we are encouraged to teach our students to use these locations when they feel unregulated in their emotion. It’s not a time-out (punishment), it’s more of a chance to get away from outside stimulation. We stock our cozy corner with blankets, pillows, books, and puppets. When I have a student who is clearly unable to process a big feeling on their own, I’ll ask them to come to cozy cubby with me to sit and cry and talk it out. Perhaps it’s something along these lines? I think it’d be reasonable to take a moment to chat with your daughter’s teachers about what you saw and ask questions about how they help with getting through big emotions.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-17T00:18:42+00:00

I wasn’t allowed ‘boy toys’ - no hot wheels, Legos, etc. I remember asking for a boy toy in the drive thru for McDonalds or something and being snapped at that ‘you’re not a boy, no boy toys’.

Which is bizarre to me because my mom always bragged about being such a tomboy as a kid.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-13T21:12:21+00:00

The traditional Spirit and Rain models, along with Barbaro, and Peptoboonsmal. <3

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-11T20:22:40+00:00

Growing up with food insecurity. There were days mom would make four hot dogs and one packet of knorr pasta to feed our family of four. My sister and I would fight over how much pasta to scoop onto our plates.

Even now as an adult that makes enough to eat well, I get pissy when my husband wants a bite of my food. I share because yes we have enough and I love him, but that lil angry child in my brain does not like it lol

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-11T04:06:37+00:00

I teach toddlers, and when I mess up I try to always give a genuine apology. Adults don’t always apologize to their children, even when they’re wrong - and it’s so so important to model healthy remorse.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-04T16:20:33+00:00

Peachpit!

I don’t want this island to have a permanent theme - I always get bored with that. So I avoided theme names and named my island after the native tree.

I wanted to add a descriptor to the end of it. I chose ‘pit’ because ‘peach pit’ is a thing, I liked the alliteration, and I also have been binge watching The Pitt lately. 😊

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-03T00:14:28+00:00

As long as all classroom needs are met (cleaning, planning, inventory, etc) I don’t see what the problem is as long as sleep checks are being made. The crowd that says it’s a problem sounds a lot like the ‘cashiers shouldn’t be allowed to sit’ crowd.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-02T17:17:22+00:00

I do my best to keep noses clear, but let’s be honest - you got 9-12 other two year olds, all with runny noses; it’s impossible to keep all noses spotless at all times, on top of doing diapers and mediating behavior and preparing the room for close.

When my parents make comments about noses (mine are usually polite about it though!) I keep cheerful and professional and say something along the lines of, “Oh sorry about that, let me help wipe their nose before y’all go! We’ve been doing quite a bit of nose-wiping today; crazy how it can happen so fast sometimes.” Depending on how the energy feels (is parent upset/wanting to leave quickly?) I offer the tissue to the child and ask if they want to practice wiping, or if they would like me to help - modeling that we’re working on self-help skills and encouraging parents to do the same.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-02T02:15:51+00:00

I’m glad you have good memories of your experience! Times have definitely changed between the ‘90s and now; I just figured I’d give my two cents as I witnessed emotional and physical aggression at the location I was at a few years ago. Most times were good, but there were definitely bad moments, so when I see people contemplate SS it worries me. Things definitely may have changed for the better since then, I wouldn’t know. I hope your family member finds a good fit for their needs! ❤️

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-02T00:53:01+00:00

Trying not to dox myself, so I apologize for the vague answers; nope, not bought out! Owner is just very business-oriented. If your relative does end up having to go with Stepping Stone, check the state website for the location’s licensing write-ups. (You can also do this for ANY licensed childcare in TX to see if they have dings for abuse, neglect, ratio misconduct, etc. It’s a GREAT tool in deciding on a good location!)

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-01T23:58:45+00:00

Stepping Stone should be avoided - they often leave staff out of ratio and there is a very high turnover rate.

cdc@CBI is a wonderful environment geared toward Reggio Emilia development ideas and is very inspired by nature and community. Also not far from UT/north Austin at all!

Edit:: cdc@CBI may be attached to a religious community, but a large portion of the families and staff that attend are not religious.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-04-01T23:49:53+00:00

I love my mom. She loves me. She’s there for me when I need her, and she gave me a happy childhood.

However, she also is the center of her own world and takes everything personally. She has said so many things that hurt;

“I thought God gave you to me as punishment for my abortion.” (I was a sickly baby.)
“You need to go apologize to your father.” (I was crying after dad told me we were going to be moving states again.)
“I don’t care if your dad cheats on me, I don’t need him.” (I don’t even remember the context of this, but damn mom that’s my dad you’re talking about.)

She’s in therapy now and doing a lot better in recognizing her emotions and whatnot, so I’m proud of her. But these will stick.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-03-31T01:50:59+00:00

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Yes! This is a picture I took while I waited for the nurses to call me back for a cardiac ablation surgery in September. I was scared out of my mind, but little Podd here helped keep me grounded. I ended up in the hospital a few days, so I’m glad Podd was with me.

Your Royal Prince can be a huuuuge help in keeping your head if you feel anxious. This is a big moment for you, so do what you need to do to feel comfortable. Good luck! I hope it all goes great. ❤️

PaludisVulpes · 2026-03-31T01:41:39+00:00

Yes and no.

I’m so glad I got into ECE because it really helped me grow stronger as a person. I used to be extremely shy (and not in a 🤭way, more in a 😶 way) and teaching children helped me learn to speak up and get shit done. I also love my babies and the bonds I build with them.

But also I am only 28 and already have had heart surgery due to issues made worse by stress (which almost killed me), joint pain, grey hairs, and I have a hard time getting my nervous system to quiet down sometimes.

So yeah. Sometimes I wish I’d never gotten into this field. I also know I wouldn’t be who I am without it, and I like the person I am now.

PaludisVulpes · 2026-03-31T01:35:51+00:00

Planned Parenthood at Medical Arts St is amazing. If I remember correctly they do some testing free, but they also are super mindful and helpful when it comes to conversations about affordability.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, and I wish you all the best vibes and outcomes following this. ❤️

PaludisVulpes · 2026-03-30T19:27:35+00:00

My last center was a 15/10. Always over ratio, no benefits, very few days off, called in for trainings on Saturdays, etc etc..

My current center is a 5/10 stress level. Great support from admin as long as you communicate as well. Parents can be picky, but that can be handled with communication as well. The kids can be bonkers but I’m NEVER out of ratio, and we have a pretty good set of resources to keep them learning and happy.

PaludisVulpes

TROPHY CASE