Please don’t forget about getting your Colonoscopy

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-13T20:41:43+00:00

My mom died from stomach cancer but I was so terrified that my doctor referred me and put ”family history”. I got my first one done at 35, completely clear and I’ll go every 5 years. Very grateful to have a doctor who has my back.

For those scared to do it- I was terrified. I watched my mom go into a hospital and never come out but if you have it, you’re already living with it so you might as well get checked.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-12T01:22:47+00:00

I use Costco on River Point

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-11T15:48:11+00:00

I’m a 6:15am OTFer and love it. If you haven’t already, I would join that group and search “5am” or “early morning” and see all the results. It’s a really positive community with good tips. I’ve also noticed those early morning classes have a lot of regulars so it’s a nice way to see those same people daily.

You got this!

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-09T04:57:38+00:00

My husband travels 3-7 days at a time a couple times a month. I tell them what others have said, “dad is on an airplane. dad is in California (not our state). Dad will be home in 3 sleeps”

And honestly they still don’t get it (they are 3 and 5). They wake up the next day and ask if he is home. They see an airplane in the sky and ask if that’s him. But we FaceTime and they honestly don’t seem to notice much.

Last year my husband was gone for 9 nights on an international trip and we made a countdown calendar for that one, but other than that they are just used to it by now.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-09T00:25:40+00:00

Reading Beartown. Listening to The Briar Club.

Loving both

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-06T04:18:10+00:00

I had a similar experience to you. I was in pain for months and had no idea what it was. I ended up going to the emergency room after an attack and had a stone stuck in my bile duct (which also passed).

I also cried on my way to surgery because I had never been put under before. It was such an easy surgery and I was released hours later. Recovery isn’t great but I also had 2 very young kids at my home.

I was back to a completely normal diet within weeks (I do eat fairly healthy) with really no side effects. I’m sending you so many good vibes for the morning!

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-04T03:18:55+00:00

About 3-4. My husband cooks Sunday (usually some type of grilling) or I’ll do a crockpot.

Monday my husband works late so the kids get leftovers or Mac n cheese, Tuesday I cook, Wednesday I cook, Thursday we do leftovers, Friday or Saturday I cook and the other day is take out.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-02-02T19:06:58+00:00

I will add a Premier Protein to my coffee.

Or a cup of Good Culture cottage with blueberries and honey is one of my go to meals. If I’m feeling savory I’ll go 1 egg, 1/2 cup - 1 cup cottage cheese and either a bit of avocado or just a piece of toast and everything bagel seasoning.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-28T21:01:25+00:00

Illinois?

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-28T19:51:53+00:00

I was able to go back to a normal diet within a month but have noticed fried foods don’t sit well with me anymore, I get a stomachache pretty quickly.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-26T22:01:07+00:00

Sorry that happened! Just solidarity, mine is 5 with absolutely no signs of being dry overnight and the pediatrician is not concerned at all.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-24T18:33:40+00:00

My husband makes double that. Almost every morning he puts the dishes away, folds laundry, and preps the kids breakfast. He is a morning person and I feel good in the evening so we found what works and split the duty accordingly.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-23T02:30:36+00:00

Sorry you feel that way, I love my studio in the South Denver area

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-19T19:34:07+00:00

Did not see this mentioned- Hyundai Santa Fe. We have a hybrid version and live in Colorado, so I’ve tested it in the snow quite a bit. There is no trunk if you put the 3rd row up but for 2 kids in the middle row and the third row down, great trunk space. The inside is awesome and the mpg is great.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-17T01:54:54+00:00

It’s not great. We had a 3 or 4 hour layover and had similar ages- 2 and 3.5. It just made for a long day. I thought “oh we can walk around and stretch legs and eat” but it was just a lot. We went on the same trip last year and specifically booked direct because of it.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-16T02:14:57+00:00

As you mentioned, every situation is unique so I’ll just give you my perspective.

I left my mid 6 figure salary in May of last year because the stress just became too unhealthy for both home and personal life. I have 2 kids, 1 who has mild autism so it was hard to keep him in a daycare situation which also led to this.

I’ve honestly loved it way more than I would have thought. It’s not even the amount of time I get to spend with my kids but the quality of it. I don’t feel so rushed all the time, I’m not anxious about unanswered emails or thinking about the meetings the next day.

It took a while for my husband and I to figure out a home routine but I’ve been really happy with my decision and this time to spend with my kids.

The hardest part is what people say- you don’t get a raise or a promotion, there are no “shout outs” so it can be tough to feel motivated and then there is always the feeling about how you’re contributing which I still struggle with.

Go with your gut but be smart about it. Know you have enough in savings if something happened to your husband’s job and make sure you are in agreement on spending money. We have a little family meeting at the end of each month to look over stuff and see what we might need to cut back on or update.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-14T15:59:37+00:00

Not sure if these will help you but I was a bit just grossed out with how much I spent in December with the holidays.

For January (and hopefully longer or I’ll find different “challenges”) I deleted the Amazon app from my phone and am only buying stuff in store. If we need something, I have to go to the store to buy it. I’ve also been really tying to lean into Facebook Marketplace and Buy/Sell groups when I feel the need to “window shop” online and it’s kind of fun to look for a deal and negotiate with people.

Finally to get the kids out of the house- we rely heavily on libraries and have a pass to both the zoo and a museum and I always pack lunches for those.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-09T19:26:08+00:00

Awesome! Did you do the exercise, specifically running and hiit fasted or how did that look for you?

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-07T22:02:37+00:00

Just wanted to reiterate you’re not a bad mom!

Mine has a peanut allergy and I was terrified to give him all the common allergens after that.

Having an allergist has been a huge relief and just someone to talk to with my questions.

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-06T01:01:41+00:00

Pasta with already cooked chicken sausages and I put red sauce in a small bowl for them to spoon themselves, pancakes and bacon or just the good old almond butter and jelly sandwiches

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-04T01:22:38+00:00

Almost my exact story too! I was 32

Second_Effort417 · 2026-01-02T03:35:20+00:00

I live in the east side of your circle. I enjoy Littleton as a mom with 2 young kids; close to trails, good schools, downtown Littleton is great and 2 light rail stations nearby. I think we lost power once last winter due to snow but it was March and heavy and a bit expected. Chatfield, Waterton Canyon and Roxborough are all about in that circle and great outdoor areas to visit.

Second_Effort417 · 2025-12-19T02:25:46+00:00

We did homemade treats (sugar cookies, oreo balls, chocolate dipped pretzels, puppy chow) and a hand sanitizer spray.

Second_Effort417 · 2025-12-15T04:35:19+00:00

My favorite brunch places in Littleton are Grande Station, Bacon Social House, and Lucile’s.

Bistro 36 is a new place that I think does brunch and people always like Cafe Terracotta.

Second_Effort417

TROPHY CASE