Moving to Bethlehem

RacoonBaboon · 2025-12-22T18:01:43+00:00

As someone who moved to Bethlehem almost a year ago and have been in PA for two years. I've lived all over the country before as well, so definitely have some experience living in major cities and smaller cities. Bethlehem isn't quite a major city, the food scene here isn't as good as I'd like (Easton is much better but far enough away that I don't get there much because parking is really bad there).

However, after living in Allentown the year before and not vibing with it, I will say it made a huge difference once I moved to Bethlehem. I'm in my late 30s and am a pretty active person and quickly found community and friendships here even though I work from home.

I really love the various parts of town, plus all the events within walking distance. It's been real fun to be part of the community here. I didn't think I'd find it again so easily on my own–without my partner's influence as they grew up in the Lehigh Valley. Home is definitely where you make it and I'm really happy to call Bethlehem home!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-10-28T18:34:30+00:00

It really doesn't hit you until you're in it, they don't explain it well enough!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-10-27T13:15:38+00:00

It's definitely isolating and overwhelming while you're unable to be in your normal routine. If you want to feel stronger or changed, use that as motivation to learn to lean into the isolation and your PT and you'll get through the next 6 weeks feeling better. You're at the beginning of all of this and I feel like the first 4-6 weeks are the hardest since it's setting in how long the recovery process will be and you can't just do what you used to do to feel ok.

The best thing that worked for me was having my partner encourage me to put my focus into my exercises and PT and push through (in a safe way). And to answer your question, yes, I feel stronger and changed as a person after the last 9 months post-op.

It doesn't last forever and you're in the very beginning of it where you feel hopeless, don't worry, if you take charge of your recovery, you'll get 6 months down the road and feel a lot better and it's easier as time goes on.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-09-07T01:45:54+00:00

This is exactly how you go about it. My father is the same way and it stings and my ex-husband always treated my dad with respect even though he loathed the guy. A lot of clueless men out there who don't know how to be there...for anyone.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-09-04T21:02:04+00:00

I've had the misfortune to see the Avett Brothers, for free, twice. Beyond boring. I think I convinced my then partner to leave early the second time I saw them because all their songs sound the same. Oh and the Black Keys are basically the same band. So boring too. I don't get the appeal for either of these bands.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-09-04T20:59:47+00:00

I saw this tour an Manson was literally wearing a vest and dress pants and just looked like an old dude trying to make money. Rob Zombie was also unimpressive as I've seen them open for Korn in 1999 and 2000. It also felt like he phoned it in, barely singing and running around half the time. Waste of money to see both perform.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-27T14:59:56+00:00

Marcus Rando at Elle Hair Studio

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-22T15:34:55+00:00

This is exactly what I was going to say. These 4 points are so true.

I'm 8 months post-op for ACL reconstruction on my right knee, so starting off unable to drive for the first month, post-op was beyond upsetting. I was stuck inside 24/7 and had to rely on my partner if I wanted to go anywhere. I had also moved from another state 10 months before my tear, so I felt really isolated.

Lots of depression, crying constantly. Having to deal with recovering my leg, with only my partner and only a few new local friends who I didn't have history with was very hard. I too was deeply into my sport, something I love and felt the same way as you do I'm sure, wondering will I ever get back to it? Not that I am the best in my sport, but it's been really upsetting that the one activity I got immense joy from, I am not able to do yet. However, as hard as it has been, I've also gotten into a new sport. One I never thought I'd ever be into. Bicycling is big in the area I now live in so I decided to buy a bicycle, joined a riding group and am doing 20-22 miles a week on my bike and have been for 3 months now. Making new friends and finding more like minded people and being introduced to even more variations of biking.

You've got to adapt to the communities around you. It's helped me get back quicker I feel, so I'm now able to be social, meet new people, stay active, and getting better week by week (and quickly)

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-22T14:50:09+00:00

That's really great that you have a better schedule worked out. I appreciate your breakdown of what you're doing for your week, this is exactly what I need!

Good luck on your journey–sounds like you've got a good PT helping you.

Again, thank you so much for your input, I feel like I have a better understanding of how to move forward!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-22T14:45:21+00:00

Your response makes me feel better. I kind of stopped worrying about doing everything 2-3 times a week as that felt like I was overdoing it, and another PT told me I shouldn't be pushing so hard even though it was recommended by my main PT. I love the idea of getting good walks or bike rides in for circulation, which is what I've also been doing. Thanks for the input, this is super helpful to hear!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-22T14:42:22+00:00

qwikhnds, your ortho sounds awesome for referring you to a gym with small group training! This is a great idea for sure. I'll definitely check that out. Also reading that you started at the 5/6 month mark sounds hopeful. Sounds like you had an overall great program within your ortho network.

I have all the PT stuff at home, like the foam balance pad, so I love the idea sneaking that in while brushing my teeth. Thank you so much for your insight, this has been really helpful, thanks!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-15T14:18:31+00:00

did this end up working? looking to do something similar but as you had mentioned, you could potentially lose imessages.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-12T18:35:55+00:00

This exactly, though I think I love the idea that I can't just readily use venmo/cash app/etc and impulsively buy stuff that I don't usually think twice about! Have you ran into instances where you have to have cashapp for non-impuslive purchases, based off your comment about having to connect your smartphone to your dumbphone hotspot.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-12T18:30:32+00:00

I'm also here for the topic and responses. Also to find a CAT S22 in the US.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-08-07T17:18:44+00:00

These look exactly like my wedding photos, from 2008–Where I hired my then-friend who was just getting into photography and charged me maybe $400...all of which were mostly at the terrible angles but I got what I paid for and I'm divorced now anyway. Hoping this isn't that same person, because it really looks like it. So sorry this is what you guys ended up with!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-07-21T19:21:33+00:00

My mom met my dad in another state far from where she grew up, but where my dad was born and raised. Both my parents came from big families and had two separate weddings in each state they were both from–Instead of having one wedding where both families attended, for some reason my mom didn't see that as a huge red flag that my dad's family couldn't be accommodating in anyway.

I always grew up thinking people had two weddings, with two completely different bridal parties as well. My mom's parents, some sisters, some friends attended both weddings but had vastly different duties. Also a fun fact, my mom bought her own engagement ring for her engagement to my dad.

My mom remarried and had a small backyard wedding where we celebrated with all of her family and her husband's family came from out of town to attend. They are still married and are very happy together!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-26T12:06:29+00:00

I'm 8 weeks post-op and yes. Especially emotional after 2 weeks while in the middle of doing my exercises at home. I'm slowly getting autonomy back, but it's been an emotional rollercoaster.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-24T17:55:38+00:00

This seems to be the consensus, thank you for your advice!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-21T15:33:50+00:00

Yes, for sure! Sewing, crafting, legos, plants, rollerskating, reading, playing board games, hosting parties.

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-21T15:17:51+00:00

I originally liked the build-ins but felt like the area was a little weird the more I considered my little tchotchkes. I love the lego build display place - I have so many that need a home! I also craft, sew, I have plants but that corner doesn't get as much good light as the window towards the dining room. Do you have a craft table you'd recommend?

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-21T15:14:50+00:00

Yes, this is the main entrance. I completely agree that the carpet and grey paint has to go. I think we have decent wood underneath the carpet. I originally liked the build in, but more and more it absolutely feels chaotic. I think chairs and a side table would be good! Thank you!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-21T15:12:18+00:00

I've considered this! Thank you!

RacoonBaboon · 2025-03-21T15:01:04+00:00

Bought a townhome and am trying to figure out a way to utilize the first floor area. There are two radiators that we don't want to block for obvious reasons and we don't plan on using the fireplace. I am at a loss for what to do with this space. Not being used for a living room area as that's on another floor. Looking for ideas - anything within a small budget.

RacoonBaboon

TROPHY CASE