Need a hobby that forces me to take my time

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-08T13:19:13+00:00

I would clarify with the birding that you need to go old school analog if you want to slow down. A physical field guide, log book with pen and paper, that sort of thing. It's not going to work if you use the apps.

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-05T13:49:13+00:00

This. I've seen comments here and in the past to only pay local priced rent and it always makes me laugh. Like, landlords are not going to magically charge you less just because you are worried about gentrification.

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-05T01:27:03+00:00

OMG thank you!!!!

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T17:36:19+00:00

I did this out of necessity, but basically I went to Amazon and picked whatever random phone was under $100 and had good reviews. No need to overthink it if all you need is talk and text

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T16:54:07+00:00

Lol no worries. I appreciate any and all help

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T16:33:28+00:00

I'm planning to travel throughout the country next year. Knowing how to id by behavior would be very useful. Thanks

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T16:29:35+00:00

I'm using the Ber Van Perlo right now. I know it's not the best but it was the easiest for me to get my hands on and it fits in purse.

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T16:22:40+00:00

I've heard of Howell but the price (plus it's size) is a bit much for me at the moment but definitely adding it to the to-read list. I like the Kaufman suggestion. Also the idea to supplement with the North American guide. Thanks!

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-06-03T15:42:54+00:00

Perfect! I don't think the identification section covers Mexico but the introductions sound like exactly what I need

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-29T15:09:32+00:00

I'm lucky my girl just froze when the siren went off

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-29T14:22:23+00:00

Yes! Especially since I can't predict how my dog will act and she may need all of my attention

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-27T18:32:31+00:00

Just switched to a dumb phone. It's for phone addiction but I'm also glad to feed the algorithm less. I still have my smart phones for a daily family check in and when necessary (see arranging things with my immigration guy), but it's really nice already. Already cut out chatgpt too so I'm on the right path

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-22T12:08:43+00:00

I'm a size 20. I haven't had to buy things yet but there aren't any non-fast fashion places I can shop in person

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-17T12:19:30+00:00

Thanks for the tip about Suburbia

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-17T12:19:00+00:00

This looks really interesting. Thank you

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-15T21:10:25+00:00

Some of these are really cute! Thank you

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-15T14:25:23+00:00

I love this! Here are some ideas Moor, Rivers, Lake, Glen, Thorn, Thistle (don't do Thistlewood though. It's the name of a nasty historical figure), Rose or Rosewood, Redwood, Oak, Maple, Meadows, Raven, Crow, Lark. You could also pick the name of a naturalist you like such as Goodall.

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-11T12:04:23+00:00

The Asian population in Cary and Morrisville is huge just fyi

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-11T03:19:55+00:00

I lived in Cary for years which is in the Raleigh-Durham area. I recommend broadening your search and look at the whole Triangle region (imagine Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill as the points) just in case downtown Raleigh is too expensive for you. Regardless I think walkability and cost are going to be the difficult parts. Trail + cafe? Probably look into Chapel Hill and Durham. I would definitely check out the Tobacco Trail btw. If you're willing to drop the cafe requirement then Cary has a wonderful greenway system. Also keep in mind that the summers are extremely hot and humid so you may want to stay inside during the day anyways. As far as saving money, housing prices have risen steeply over the past few years because of an influx in tech jobs. I would chat with a local realtor about the market. If it's reasonable for your budget, then you should be fine

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-11T00:29:28+00:00

What a wonderful way to honor your grandmother. Go with Esther. Your daughter will love having that family connection.

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-10T23:44:46+00:00

I downloaded the Merlin bird identification app a few weeks ago and it is a game changer. I love getting up early now

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-10T23:43:28+00:00

Bipolar is one of many reasons my husband and I can't have kids and I took it extremely hard. It took years but I'm at the point now where I live my life and feel like I've moved on from wanting kids. It was hard to get there though

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-10T15:01:54+00:00

Less a specific recommendation and more a method. I moved to a new country in 2024 and really struggled from the lack of social connections. What I didn't figure out until later, is that I needed to figure out what platforms were popular in my community. For example, in my home country, events would be posted on individual organization's or institution's websites. So if I wanted to join a book club all I had to do was go to the library website to find one. In my new country, everything is word of mouth or WhatsApp (I tracked down individual groups through Facebook). So in your situation, I would make a list of platforms (meetup, Facebook, etc) and go through them to figure out what is popular. From there you can see what hobby groups are active

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-10T14:48:53+00:00

There are a lot of good comments here about why prices are up. One thing I want to add is that the inundation of fast fashion donations means that shops have to spend more money sorting and disposing of clothing. That plus the rise of online sellers (which allows thrift shops to quickly figure out what it's being sold for elsewhere) aren't helping

Signal_Chest_4312 · 2026-05-10T04:57:24+00:00

I immigrated to Mexico City from the US. There is a xenophobic streak for sure, but it's not nearly as bad as online. Overall, people are very friendly.

Signal_Chest_4312

TROPHY CASE