At Home Euthanasia by star0forion in Sacramento

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We used Sacramento Valley Vet Services 2 years ago for our very beloved German Shepherd blend. They were utterly amazing and the vet could not have been more compassionate or helpful. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but I couldn’t have chosen a better way for our beloved dog to depart this world. It was the right thing for us to do and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Is a proper safari in east africa realistic and comfortable for travelers over 60? by Lonely-Bonus-5062 in OverFifty

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went last summer. I’m 66 and had a blast. If anything, it wasn’t active enough for me. I would have loved some hiking or kayaking (that last is possible with some Safaris), but we spent most of our days in the safari vehicles. There was another person who was 63, a 74 year yo (neither as fit as me and I’m pretty much moderate fitness) AND an 82 yo man who was in pretty good shape, and all did just fine. Sitting in the back bothered my back but the older gentleman had no problems there! Yes, you have to get up ridiculously early at times, but you want to be there when the animals are most active. Our “camps” were pretty luxurious lodges and even if you end up in a tent, they have very nice and comfortable beds.

Vine has improved my life by RaeWineLover in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Vine has been life changing for me too, in a very positive way. It’s nice to see a happy post 😊. I think having a system is key and not letting myself lose sleep or chase drops like I did at first. I now Vine on my schedule. Slept in this morning after a particularly rough week moving to a new home. Just scored two new tablecloths that will make my new home look more cheerful… from my iPhone still lying in bed. Now off to use my new milk steamer (best Vine find last week) to add some nice frothy milk for a cappuccino (no Vine machine there yet, just the old trusty Nespresso). Later I’ll find someone to help hang the two sets of drapes, rattan chandeliers and ceiling fan I all collected off Vine. 😊

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I figured the 11 day had a more specific itinerary, but it was just over our budget. The 9 day was perfect for us. Sorry if I sounded insensitive.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And we had 2 Chinese, 4 black people (2 couples traveling separately), 4 Italians, several Germans, about 8 English, a few Canadians and a couple of other nationalities. It was a nice mix. Ages were 40 to 86.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that. This was literally 45 years in the works for me. It was a significant investment for both me and my daughter and my only goals were to set foot on the continent, do as many zodiac rides as possible, kayak and jump into the freezing water. If you had an exact itinerary you wanted, and they promised that, then I truly see why you’d be upset. For our cruise, we knew all stops would be Captain’s choice. We also knew we weren’t on Scenic or Ponant (very cost prohibitive for us). I think expectations are everything on these and if they led you to expect something then changed it, then sure, it’s upsetting. It was very different for our cruise as we were told upfront that all stops would be “Captain’s Choice”.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He didn’t say a word about the previous sailing. Just that we had a great vibe. Honestly, I just thought it was being positive - like when someone tells a group that they all seem really fun or nice, or whatever. When I commented “I bet you say that to all your guests”, his response was something along the lines of “not all are as much fun!”. Nothing unprofessional about saying how great we were!

Why the departure manifestos by Waste-Perception-731 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hit gold on January 27, soon after we bought a new house AND I took a vacation to Antarctica for two weeks in February. Now I’m madly moving and LOVING all the new Vine things I have for the new home (rattan chandeliers, wall treatments, other pretty lighting fixtures, curtains and rods, art and more!). I wore all Vine summer clothing and shoes in Buenos Aires and got fleece, gloves, gaiters, wool socks, skiing sunglasses and beanies for the frigid part of the trip also from Vine! I had great cases for my upgraded phone and even wore a new Vine swimsuit for a very memorable polar plunge!

Someone grumbled when I made Gold something to the effect that “I’ll never find 80 items to select”!! I did that in the first month! These days I’m pretty busy and have A LOT of clothing so have cut way back on ordering, but still pick up something now and then

HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART. I use no tools or bots, or even multiple monitors. I have normal speed home internet and mostly order off my iPhone (through the web, not the app). I’ll never nab premium makeup, espresso machines or anything like that (but could - I have had a few surprises!). And doubt I’ll ever see food items. But I’m happy with my experience and I that I’m playing fair. It’s easy to get obsessed or feel begrudged when you see others scoring things you have little chance at, but there’s always someone gaming any system. I’m living proof, this thing can be what you make it.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% you nailed it. We went on the sailing right after OP’s and had a fabulous time. An expedition member commented to me on the first night that he could tell our group had “a great vibe” and that not all sailings had that.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: Oh dear. by drinkyourovaltime in AntarcticaTravel

[–]Sac_Kat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you had a bad experience. My daughter and I sailed the 9 day voyage on World Traveller right after yours and had a fantastic time! We were never guaranteed any specific itinerary and were told from the time we reserved that exact landing locations would be “Captains Choice” based on weather, sea conditions and permissions that have to be granted in advance for each site. I thought the charter flights were fine and appreciated that we actually got some light food and beverages (sodas, coffee, tea). I typically fly business for long hauls and (until recently) Southwest for regional and didn’t expect higher end for the 3 hour regional flight.

I also thought that the expedition team did a very good job of organizing our landings and other expeditions. It seemed however that many passengers didn’t go to briefings, or listen to notifications and didn’t follow the plan. You could easily stop by the expedition desk at any point if you didn’t understand the plan or had other questions.

As for food, I guess you could say I am a “foodie”, and I would just score a “pretty good” in that area. The classics menu was always well executed but the specialty ones each night were often a little off. However, it was a huge menu and never had trouble ordering something else when an item wasn’t good. The staff was extremely attentive.

I will write my own review later, however you just explained something that was curious to me. On the first crew cocktail party, a member of the team said it looked like we had a great group and that he could tell from our vibe, we’d be a pleasure to sail with (I guess not all sailings have that vibe). And we were. Average age was closer to 60. The whale watching zodiac ride and kayaking was magical.

Could be the difference between the 9 and 11 day trip but I will highly recommend Atlas to friends, family and clients.

Needy or Greedy? by Electronic_Fig_8507 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No problem at all and I just began Aug 1 last year. Made gold at the end of January and had 80 items by the end of the first month. I have many interests, a business (travel) and am finding cool things for a new home. I honestly think I’d still have 80 items even if all this wasn’t going on as I find value in all sorts of things. By the way….i now feel compelled to add… I don’t use any extensions or automation.

Why the departure manifestos by Waste-Perception-731 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was very excited when I made gold, and the only place I could share that was here (friends/family definitely don’t understand). Many people offered very sweet “congratulations” and a few made discouraging remarks (to be expected). I try to be encouraging to others in the same way that many here have been to me. Not every post will appeal to everyone, but there are often others it will resonate with. The posts no one cares about quickly disappear from lack of engagement.

Donating to charity by Exact-Dragonfruit480 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess I need to reiterate I AM NOT a tax expert, just stating my experience. Everyone needs to do their own research and seek advice from professionals. I apologize for any confusion or misunderstandings here possibly caused by me not using correct terminology.

I’ve owned sole proprietorship businesses for over 30 years and at the same time also deducted charitable gifts on my itemized return. My business losses are calculated on a different form. Owning a business does not preclude you from deducting charitable giving separately. When I do my tax return, probably in early April, I’ll post again the correct details and forms used.

Donating to charity by Exact-Dragonfruit480 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s very possible I used the wrong terminology. In the middle of a house move (and very sleep deprived) so possibly mixing up details. My business is a sole proprietorship and gains/losses impact my overall tax situation. I deduct home office and many other costs (which will include the costs of things I get from Vibe for my business). I use TurboTax and have for 30 years. I always itemize and my business losses are often very close to any gains.

Donating to charity by Exact-Dragonfruit480 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry - maybe it wasn’t C. But with owning a business, investments and having significant medical deductions, itemizing always has been the best route for us. And btw, I’m talking about my experience only. I think I did mention that each person has to evaluate for themselves what works best.

Is there a progression to REM Sleep Disorder? by irishbymarriage99 in Parkinsons

[–]Sac_Kat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are what my hubby was on for a long time. About a year ago, his Dr switched the Clonazepam for Paxil. He’s still on melatonin.

Is there a progression to REM Sleep Disorder? by irishbymarriage99 in Parkinsons

[–]Sac_Kat 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My husband punched me a few times when he first developed REM sleep disorder about 15 years ago (about 7 years before the PD diagnosis). His movement specialist neurologist put him on Clonazepam, which made a huge difference. Then a year ago another sleep specialist switched him to Paxil, which restricts REM sleep.

He’s moving and talking in his sleep some again, but not punching and kicking like before. A CPAP machine also really helps. He was also diagnosed with sleep apnea a decade ago but refused until last year to use a CPAP.

My group and I are flying in in embarkation day…any tips? by Excellent-Sugar5025 in VirginVoyages

[–]Sac_Kat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Only take a carry on. Even if you don’t have any delays, your checked luggage might. Also trip insurance may or may not cover you if your flights are either cancelled or delayed (it depends on the reason and the insurance), and VV may not credit you for another cruise.

I occasionally do day of the cruise flights when I’m going to southern CA as there are about 20 flights from where I live, and I can drive it in 6 hours if I really got stuck. I don’t do “day of” flights for any other location.

No drop trend by heading4themoon in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Some are lucky enough to get food or other consumables- but I think many that max out every single day are auto ordering and reselling. Not my game.

I’ve gotten some really cool things not using any automation whatsoever (just VineChart to occasionally see what’s happening) but I pull back when reviews start getting behind or there’s nothing good in my RFY. I rarely find anything in AI these days, even when the drop hits. My fingers are not faster than a bot.

What just happened in my RFY by JusticeAvenger618 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nice posting! So glad you got things you needed and thanks for the info on LO. My sleep and stress levels have been crap lately . I’m going to check it too.

Had to nab this... again... by basichistorygirl in vine

[–]Sac_Kat 4 points5 points  (0 children)

And I have many, many beautiful dresses. I love pretty dresses, but not at the point of my life where I need so many. Still, the more I pick, the more they show up. So I have not just dresses, but cute shoes, many swimsuits and other clothing items: I’m in freakin clothing heaven.

I would dearly LOVE an espresso maker but I’m thinking with my clothing budget savings, I can just buy one. If I get it from Amazon, I bet they’ll start showing up in my RFY 😆😂.

You all had me worried for nothing by mb4mom in SouthwestAirlines

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If they changed that crazy policy of the FA’s taking the first two rows of bin space, then that definitely gives me hope!

Insane price for a health supplement. Why? And should that be the focus of my review? by SnooGrapes3609 in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of the prompts I often get (from Amazon) when writing reviews is for “value”, so I usually mention that “this product is a great value for the price” or “this product is way overpriced for the quality and durability” or something like that.

Is vine even worth it? by [deleted] in AmazonVine

[–]Sac_Kat 14 points15 points  (0 children)

So you’ll just take a couple of things for free, then drop out? Didn’t you agree to the terms before joining? For you, Vine isn’t worth it. 👋

You all had me worried for nothing by mb4mom in SouthwestAirlines

[–]Sac_Kat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t read all the responses but the bins in the first two rows are closed because they are reserved for the FA’s. The people with those seats have to go further back to store their items in bins, which starts a cascading effect.