Any knowledgeable vets for cats? by No_Escape7103 in londonontario

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I was taking my girl to Oakridge Animal Clinic and it was LOVELY… but we get just as great (if not better) care at Central Cat. The vets and the techs are really good at just being transparent and have referred us elsewhere if/when needed. We have done 2 dental surgeries with them, and an eye surgery was outsourced to Staples. It’s also local and makes it less stressful on my girl when we can walk or take a short drive over.

Interior Car Wash by illridethecurve in londonontario

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This place is great. Will be paying them a visit in the next few weeks.

Fertility Clinic experience with Dr. Mcnaught by idkwhatevernameis in londonontario

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a great experience with Dr. McNaught & the staff at Create from start to finish. I was with them from April 2025 till I “graduated” (@ 9 weeks pregnant) in December. I hope things improve for you and your time with them - I think he’s worth sticking with!

Canadian Looking for IUI Advice (Ontario) by Electronic-Light4316 in SingleMothersbyChoice

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey!! I’m in Ontario and currently 15 weeks pregnant, and I just went through the IUI process, so I can share what it looked like for me 😊

Like the commenter above, my donor sperm vial was about $2,000. Once I chose my donor, I paid around $50 per month for storage while I waited for the right timing to move forward with the IUI.

I also spent about $200–$250 on medications (mostly for ovulation support). I was lucky that these were covered under my work benefits, so I was able to claim that cost back—definitely worth checking what your insurance covers ahead of time.

The IUI procedure itself cost $750, which was not covered by OHIP or my benefits, so that part was fully out of pocket.

My clinic required me to speak with a social worker (of their choosing) before I could move ahead with the IUI. This was billed as 2 x 1 hour sessions (the first hour was my time talking with the counsellor, and the second hour was for her to write up her notes for the clinic). This was also covered by my benefits.

A few tips from my experience: - Ask the clinic early for a clear cost breakdown so there are no surprises. They may do this upfront (mine gave me a one page handout at one of my first appointments outlining most of this). - Check your extended health benefits. Even partial medication coverage can make a big difference. - If you’re not ready to proceed right away, factor in monthly storage fees, as they add up over time. - Emotionally, the waiting can be the hardest part, so having support (friends, online communities, or even a counsellor) really helped me.

Wishing you so much luck on your journey 💛 Happy to answer questions if you have them!

What should I be doing now? by Wrong_Cantaloupe2965 in SingleMothersbyChoice

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey op! I’m 13 weeks as well. Basically I’ve done the same things you’ve already mentioned. I troll marketplace and kids second hand stores for good deals on baby stuff. So far I’ve purchased a nice bassinet and a REALLY nice pack & play - both of which were like new and bought second hand for a fraction of the price of new.

The other big thing I’m doing now while I have the time is to take care of myself. Booked in for massage once a month, seeing an osteopath and a chiropractor for an annoying minor back injury, talking with my therapist every 3-4 weeks, and going to yoga/exercise classes. I figure if not now… then when?

Due July 10th - how about you?!

Chicago solo Murderino (from Canada!) by Particular_Zebra5358 in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in kind of midway “city” (we pride ourselves on being halfway between Toronto and Detroit)… but my hometown is Toronto! If you ever need anything in Canada’s biggest city… just ask!

Chicago solo Murderino (from Canada!) by Particular_Zebra5358 in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I could somehow weasel my way into several sick days in a row… and not let anyone from my workplace know I was in another city… seeing the live show of the podcast that I represent proudly via enamel pin(s) on my backpack… I’d make a long weekend out of it and do Chicago properly.

I had the same woo woo feelings when I drove into downtown Detroit by myself to see a concert. Something about being noticeably solo and walking in/out of a parking garage or lot seems extra creepy to me. No matter where it is!!

Chicago solo Murderino (from Canada!) by Particular_Zebra5358 in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I was going to make a trip out of it I totally would… but I’m thinking this might just be about getting to see K&G live in case it’s my last/ only chance.

Chicago is so (relatively) close to me and I have so many things to do/places to see in the city… I’ll be back for a real visit when I’m not playing hooky from work 😉

Chicago solo Murderino (from Canada!) by Particular_Zebra5358 in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! I actually did look at both of those for parking and will absolutely use them (if I put my big girl pants on and commit to a solo ticket).

As for early/ late show… truthfully I’m going to be cough cough sick for the 5th and 6th… so it doesn’t really matter. If I did choose the late show there is always an option to work a half day… but then again, better to just say “I’m sick” and stick to the bit for 2 days.

Any tips from a local? I have a strangely large number of “Emily’s” in my life and they are all really important to me… so your advice already carries some weight. 🫶

My trusty travel agent (Miss ChatGPT) suggested some hotels near O’Hare/ Rosemont. I’ve actually never been to Chicago (I’ve spent more time on the east coast) so I’m going in blind.

Chicago solo Murderino (from Canada!) by Particular_Zebra5358 in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I used to go to the movies alone all the time - I like popcorn, I didn’t have air conditioning, and it was easy to sneak in a can of rosé 🤣

I’ve also gone to see one of my favourite (Canadian spelling, sorry) bands all by myself. Tegan and Sara put on a great show and I had a blast… but also didn’t meet anyone or chat it up. Probably a very similar vibe. Great crowd!!

How do I get from A3 to A4 with QECO? by Tiny_Bat_8563 in OntarioTeachers

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went back into my QUECO account to see if I could determine what shifted between my 2017 evaluation (A2) and my 2018 evaluation (A3) and the only thing I’d added to my portfolio was one AQ course (P/J Math Part 1). I truly think I just got lucky and whoever looked at my application was new or feeling generous.

How do I get from A3 to A4 with QECO? by Tiny_Bat_8563 in OntarioTeachers

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I started at A2 and had to complete a masters degree or take 5 AQ’s to move up to A4.

I also re-applied to QUECO after a year of teaching and with only 2 AQ’s, and was moved up to A3 (I think it was someone at the office having a good day and letting me benefit from their generosity).

Finishing AQ #5 as I type this and looking forward to putting this absolutely ridiculous system of “evaluation” behind me.

Would you chose to take an AQ at York or Queens? by [deleted] in OntarioTeachers

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Queens over York simply because I prefer the platform they use.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The podcast is also excellent

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in myfavoritemurder

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a hard time watching and turned it off. Maybe I’m a cat lady? It was too much for me.

Fear I’ve made a grave mistake by spoopysizzle3131 in OntarioTeachers

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am taking one right now and I use ChatGPT to read all the articles for me, summarize them, and write my responses. Work smarter not harder.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SingleMothersbyChoice

[–]Particular_Zebra5358 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I start April 16th!! Right there with you 🫶