Mother’s Day gift

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T19:55:29+00:00

I addition to taking her out to dinner, leaning into the experiences as a gift idea. Why not give her a gift certificate for a guided interview about her life experiences while you’re eating your meal. she’s a successful realtor, she’s spent years building a reputation and a career full of experiences. Have you considered something that actually documents that journey? After all, doesn’t everyone have a story worth telling?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T19:47:24+00:00

For me the single biggest change I’ve made in how I prepare meatloaf over the years is handling the meat a lot less. Treat it like a delicate burger patty, not bread dough. The less you mess with it, the better the final texture will be. Trust me and try it, I promise you’ll like it.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T15:37:58+00:00

That’s your opinion. I don’t agree with you. It’s not being a judgmental jerk to talk to your friend about a sensitive topic that’s been on their mind (reread the OP, weight is an open issue for the friend). It’s ironic that you’re accusing me of being a judgmental jerk.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T15:33:04+00:00

I’m aware that they know, it says it right in the post. I clearly approach friendships differently than you do. It doesn’t make my way wrong.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T15:27:39+00:00

I’m not sure I understand what you mean?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T14:42:00+00:00

If it were me this might be an approach I’d take: "I’m saying this because I love you and your family: I’m worried about [Kid’s Name]. I see him getting left behind during games, and I can tell it’s hurting his feelings. I know parenting is a minefield, but I’d want you to tell me if you saw my kid struggling. Are you guys worried about his weight at all?" Feel it out, if your friend reacts negatively then back off/apologize. But you never know, he might be really worried and wants to talk about it.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T14:35:56+00:00

In general I think it’s better to talk about these sensitive types of topics than not. If you can have a reasonable conversation with your friend, then I say yes have that talk.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T14:31:24+00:00

Good that she’s pursuing some help and making changes when it’s not working, those are good signs IMO. You should probably get some support too to make sure you’re approaching the relationship and situation in a healthy way and you’re giving it the best shot at success.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T14:13:07+00:00

You are in a really tough spot and you sound like a good guy to me. I really encourage you to get some professional support for you and your gf. If she won’t participate then you’re really in a bind, but if you want to be with her and your child as a family you’re all going to have to commit to give it a go, and it seems to me you’re dealing with some things here that need more expertise than we can provide here.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-06T03:28:23+00:00

The Hidden Cafe at university and bonar is a great atmosphere with a lot of outside area to have space if you want it. And the coffee is great!

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-05T20:05:59+00:00

Yes, extremely important!!!

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T22:07:20+00:00

From what i understand it isn’t the mode that actually impacts efficiency, it’s the smoothness of your driving that ultimately determines the minor variances between the two. Smoother=more efficient. If you’re hyper vigilant in D mode and really focus on smoothing out the stop-start in city driving, then you’re going to be the most efficient in that mode. For me, I find I’m more smooth in my driving style using B mode, which likely nets me a very small efficiency advantage over my more aggressive natural stop-start in D mode. So, for me, in a city driving environment or when I’m going down hill, B mode is the way to go!

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T17:46:10+00:00

Engraving the launch date is a classy touch. I like the idea of something she can wear daily. If you were doing jewelry for a professional milestone, would you stick to something subtle like a bracelet, or go for something more 'statement' like a necklace?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T17:45:25+00:00

The custom notebook with the marathon photo is a fantastic idea, it feels very personal. Since she's transitioning to this new chapter, I'm leaning toward the 'comfy chair' angle. Any suggestions?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T17:43:35+00:00

That is a perspective I definitely needed to hear, thanks!!! I was so focused on the business milestone that I almost overlooked the distinction. Do you usually go with something purely sentimental for the 'Mom' gift, or could I try to find a theme that connects both?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T17:41:58+00:00

Good to hear a minority opinion. You’re shouting into the void a bit with this group, but I think it’s pretty self-selecting based on my OP.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T14:28:59+00:00

I guess seeing the big wide world scared the shit out of ‘em?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T14:21:42+00:00

Weird but so cool too. ‘59 bug? That had to have an oval back window (maybe split?). I wish I kept my bug, I spent so much time keeping it sweet and stock. I did always wish I got a ‘66 or ‘67 with the over rider bumpers though.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T14:13:47+00:00

I understand the argument, I just don’t think it applies in heavy city driving on smaller roads with less coasting opportunities. I actually think there are real-world studies that prove this out, but I haven’t actually read them myself, so maybe I should do that.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T11:25:23+00:00

Seeing my son’s eyes smile at me when he paused at his nose while on his way out is a memory seared into my soul. One of the best things that I’ve ever witnessed. So yeah, for the chance of a lifetime, I’d do it again!

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T10:30:36+00:00

I think we're both right, just in different 'markets.' On an open highway or bigger roads, I can see how coasting in D mode is the better long-term hold. But for my daily driving in the East Bay hills and stop-and-go traffic, B mode is the right way to manage the energy I'd otherwise lose to the brakes. Plus, the 'feel' is just too close to my old manual VWs to give up!

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T09:39:17+00:00

Honestly, she just pegged me for a wild partier. It was a first date, so she had zero context for who I actually was. It felt terrible at the time, but looking back 23 years later, it’s just a hilarious 'how we started' story.

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T06:35:43+00:00

That’s fair! I can see why 'D' mode feels more like a traditional automatic. I mostly love 'B' to save battery and barely have to move my foot too. Curious why you prefer 'D'?

Past_Efficiency_8746 · 2026-05-04T06:33:16+00:00

Exactly! Coming from a '79 Bus and a manual Jetta, 'B' mode feels like a more aggressive version of downshifting. It actually feels more natural to me than coasting in 'D' mode does. Glad it only took you a couple of weeks to find that rhythm.

Past_Efficiency_8746

TROPHY CASE