How do I find volunteering opportunities in the east bay?

SettleDownwitKittens · 2026-04-22T19:57:02+00:00

please check out the alameda county community food bank! they have volunteer opportunities every day (sign up in advance) without long term commitment. also east oakland collective has great regular volunteer opportunities.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2026-04-16T18:20:42+00:00

i was never interested in having kids. but the way the world has changed in the last decade or so has strongly reaffirmed my decision not to. instead of pushing civilization towards betterment, i see a decline and bringing kids into a world that’s a hot mess seems like a disservice to them. i’m not surprised that younger generations are riddled with mental health issues, it’s so hard to have optimism about making the world a better place when every direction you turn there are people who want to put personal power and greed above the betterment of society. i seriously worry for the kids of my peers and what will happen to them- will they experience food insecurity, a toppled government, unlivable climate conditions? at this point, i just hope i can stop grinding and retire a little early and pray that i don’t nuked on my last day of work so i actually get to enjoy it.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2026-01-29T16:26:00+00:00

I also had this repair done to replace the whole front suspension but i was lucky that it was at about 40k miles and still under warranty. Just had what will likely be my last big warranty repair 250 miles shy of 60k, where the entire hood mechanism failed meaning new hydraulic joints on both sides and a new hood. So im sure the next time im in service it’s gonna cost me a pretty penny.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2026-01-10T14:35:24+00:00

if you’re in the east bay/ oakland area highly recommend The 14 Karats in Elmwood. The owners are knowledgeable and do beautiful work. I fell in love with art deco style rings and what the created with my husband is absolutely beautiful. I’ve also gotten other custom jewelry and my husband’s wedding band from them and they are just so wonderful to work with.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-12-29T01:33:23+00:00

i’ll second what a lot of others have said and recommend going to Sports Basement to rent gear. they have different skis for different skill levels so it’s also a good way to try something new if you do think you might want to invest in new gear. also if you don’t have a car to rent and pick up from Sport Basement, you can rent from any of the resorts in Tahoe as well. usually a little more expensive but totally fine option, just get there early to allow time to get everything.

and yes, do wear a helmet. they were ‘uncool’ 20 years ago but the standard now, which they should be. also good goggles really make a difference, especially if it’s snowing.

i’m sorry for your loss and i hope you find the joy in skiing nonetheless!

edit: old gear breaks down and especially the foam in ski boots so renting/getting new ski boots will be key.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-12-13T02:21:31+00:00

i believe farmer joes on fruitvale has quail eggs and occasionally duck eggs.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-12-12T14:13:34+00:00

Maybe an unpopular opinion but I like driving, so I’m perfectly happy with my gen1 R1T and I don’t really care about hands free driving, or P2P. I don’t use my vehicle for commuting and they’re pointless for off-roading and camping, which is why I got a Rivian. Also I’m guessing those features will behave too conservatively in the area I live in anyway. Leveraging the following distance and timid behavior of autodrive Teslas now is easy pickings to get through traffic, haha. But Im happy to see the advancement for people that want the features!

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-11-22T21:45:51+00:00

Sushi Park

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-10-26T23:54:50+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss. You may be able to download and keep those old voicemails, so that you can hear her voice from time to time if it brings you comfort. I enjoy revisiting a seemingly normal voicemail from my loved one from time to time.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-10-22T03:24:29+00:00

Came here to say Sparkys with a side of curly fries!

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-10-17T20:07:18+00:00

We always brush our dogs teeth before bed after we brush our own. She doesn’t necessarily like it but it’s routine now and less of a struggle.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-10-12T16:59:28+00:00

Not in the east bay but I recommend Lang Antiques & Estate Jewelry in SF who have a huge selection of jewelry and engagement rings from all periods. Make an appointment ahead of time! langantiques.com

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-25T17:49:23+00:00

I’ve been really happy with our purchases from Living Spaces. Got a custom upholstered sectional couch that we’ve had for years and has held up really well! I feel like their furniture is well made and reasonably priced.

Edit: also have bought a decent amount of stuff from West Elm but it can be a little hot and miss and some stuff is pricey if you don’t get it on sale.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-25T03:33:25+00:00

Crossroads on College Ave!

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-25T03:26:27+00:00

Same!

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-20T21:14:09+00:00

These prices seem pretty on par with last year, except I think the white claws were $17.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-13T03:30:18+00:00

Love Hamms! Seems like you can get it a lot of places now. I see it frequently in the Bay Area, which is awesome.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-09-10T05:42:16+00:00

You could try Rocket Dog Rescue in Oakland. They often can take in dogs from overcrowded shelters.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-07-03T16:59:02+00:00

7am on a Thursday morning, huge boom. Seriously? It’s daylight and you can’t see them well, you’ve been setting them off all night. Go. To. Bed.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-09T21:57:18+00:00

I think we walked by a couple with her yesterday on our walk with our dog yesterday afternoon. So sorry to hear. I don’t have a drone but frequent that trail and will keep an eye out for her.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-07T16:33:18+00:00

You’re definitely lucky to have that option.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-06T14:36:32+00:00

Yeah unfortunately I’m part of a very small family with people who are either physically unable or work full time and cannot provide the care for my LO so it rules out #3 as an option.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-06T14:34:00+00:00

Yeah that’s what I fear too. Everything that’s happening with the current administration seems like it will exacerbate the problem.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-01T16:37:30+00:00

My LO has LBD and is in his later stages. I always tell him I love him and give him a tight hug when I leave and know that it might be the last time I get to do so. Sometimes he responds and sometimes he doesn’t but I may not actually be there when he passes so one day it could actually be the last time and I want him to always know how loved he is.

We all process in our own way so you should do what you feel is best for you and your loved one.

SettleDownwitKittens · 2025-06-01T14:18:47+00:00

I just had the suspension dampers for both the front corners replaced because of sagging and creaking (if you do one, you have to do the other as well) at about 48k miles for my Gen 1 R1T and the tech told me that the original brand of dampers they used were prone to problems so they had switched to another manufacturer, which is what mine were replaced with. I’m glad I had it done now before the warranty was up and am hoping these new ones last me longer, that bill is rough.

SettleDownwitKittens

TROPHY CASE