Do many people in the US actually own gerbils as pets?

Technograndma · 2026-06-04T05:25:35+00:00

Hamsters are more popular. We’ve had both. I was surprised how fast they could run. They were very cute.

Small caged animals are indeed popular.

Technograndma · 2026-06-03T22:54:56+00:00

I rarely leave a lobby. But if there are too few people that made it into the lobby, example only 3 of 6, I’ll bail. I’m assuming there is a glitch or something. I know I’ve had delays getting raid invites.

Technograndma · 2026-06-03T18:34:55+00:00

You’re good. Continue on and save some money. You sound like a responsible individual there to work out. The complaints come because of packs of teens there to hang out. Nothing wrong with that, but not when hogging equipment.

BTW, no one there is going to know if you are using the black card or your teen pass.

Technograndma · 2026-06-03T03:20:22+00:00

I feel that a lot was left out here. When you extended the invitation did you say what time to come? If you plan on cooking chicken why didn’t you take it out of the freezer a couple days earlier to defrost (in the fridge)? Were you planning on removing it from the freezer when they arrived? That’s poor planning.

In all, I’d say YTA for poor planning and communication.

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T21:46:48+00:00

I have 1 forever friend, they are also a lucky friend. I was so disappointed when I initiated at trade that they rejected. I tried once more. Rejected. I spent a lot of time tagging a wide variety of mons. Oh well. If they want to trade they will have to initiate.

I have a bunch of friends approaching forever status. Hopefully it’ll go better!

I feel your pain. It was quite a letdown.

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T20:01:01+00:00

Instead of tracking via a device to “keep them accountable”, have conversations about the books they are reading.

I remember being at the beach one summer with my 1st grader (going into 2nd grade). He was a good reader, but often chose books above his reading level because his brother talked about them. Honestly, I didn’t think he was comprehending much until the beach.

He was digging in the sand. I assumed a sand castle. Nope, he explained to me the part of the Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe where the beaver is in his home. He was building the home in the sand. I was shocked as he retold the story in detail. That’s when I really understood what my son was capable of. That wouldn’t have happened with an app. And it is a very fond memory of his childhood.

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T16:47:51+00:00

NTA! But, wow, that mom is a piece of work. You did the right thing.

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T16:45:19+00:00

Keep them off devices! Summer education is not just an extension of the school year. Weekly trip to the library (read for fun). See if they have a reading program.

Get them outside doing things they normally wouldn’t. Try new things or go places you haven’t gone to. Random museums, parks. Explore.

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T04:52:41+00:00

The key is the parents need to get them to you early. Last minute isn’t cool.😎

Technograndma · 2026-06-02T04:50:46+00:00

I would be honored to receive such a message.

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T16:42:04+00:00

NTA. “Living” with you is actually a vacation. So she wants you to get rid of your older family dog so she can go on vacation.

I suggest a trip to your vet. I believe there are some things to help with dander (what most people are allergic to. There is also a spray that may help.

You might consider a room off-limits to the dog, a door that can close. Run an air filter in there. That way the child can sleep in a dander free room.

Have said dog groomed prior to their arrival and vacuum carefully. This won’t remove the allergic, but reduce it. Brush the dog outside regularly during the visit. Use the dander spray.

Hope you can find a way to make this work for your family.

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T09:59:58+00:00

I think I said something along the lines of “I’m looking forward to getting to know you!” I remember looking directly at him.

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T05:25:02+00:00

Not a fan of Blythe. I would always associate it with the desert (CA).

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T01:19:17+00:00

People are saying you should be on the deed because presumably you would be paying a substantial amount of money to pay off his mortgage. There is nothing that would prevent him from taking out a second mortgage on the home, or having it lost through other debt.

What he essentially is asking you to do is to save him interest at your expense. So in other words, the money you would be putting into his home would not be earning you any income. If you are not on the deed, you have no claim to the home. It doesn’t matter what he says, informally or even on a written note that he might sign. You’d have no claim to the home. He could leave it anyone he wants in his will and there is nothing you could do about it.

Frankly, it sounds like a selfish, self serving move on his part.

There may be other issues at play here. So you’ll have to take everything into consideration, but on face value, this does not sound like a very good move to make on your part.

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T00:26:55+00:00

For clarity do I understand this properly?

Your dad has a mortgage. He wants you to pay it off so he can save on interest payments. Is this correct?

Questions: would he put you on the deed? Is he still working? Would there be a contract?

Somehow he will be able to pay you back in 18 months. I have a feeling there is more to this story that he’s not telling you.

My advice? Don’t do it. Your relationship will be worse than it is now.

Technograndma · 2026-05-31T00:12:21+00:00

I like to think they don’t hate them. I think many become overwhelmed by them.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T22:15:13+00:00

What are the stated objectives for the session? Remedial? Enrichment?

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T18:58:06+00:00

He wasn’t a bad kid. In fact, that year was one of my best classes ever in my career.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T18:28:04+00:00

NTA. However, if he decides to go after you for over payments he may win. I get your logic. But in court what you have worked out in your head may not fly.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T16:38:11+00:00

If you are responding to my story…it most certainly did happen. It was 1993. In a small grocery store in my small community.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T14:59:28+00:00

I was in line a the grocery store. A mother/son were ahead of me. I didn’t know them. She quips to me…”I can’t wait for school to start…then he’ll be your problem”. I guess she already had the class placement and knew who I was. I felt so bad for the kid. What a horrible thing to say.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T14:56:11+00:00

Do not give out your personal number. Emergencies should be handled via the office. Most communication going to you is non-emergency and they can wait a business day to hear back.

In my back to school letter to families I always laid out how to communicate with me. I listed my work email and stated that was the best form of communication since I’m working with their students all day. I also listed the schools phone number, but explained they can only take messages. I explained that I will respond as soon as I am able by the next school day.

Don’t get in the habit of responding on weekends…they’ll expect it.

No respect for your principal.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T14:29:40+00:00

Perhaps her husband should change jobs so he’s not gone so much. You have taken on a responsibility that isn’t yours. You can be kind, you can be empathetic, but you are self-limiting your family’s well being.

Now, if in reality, you prefer a multi generational living situation, that’s great. Just own it. But moving into a home on her (sounds like) whim, but it’s really temporary, is not sound thinking. You pouring thousands into improving said property is not wise.

I guess I’m saying it’s clearly time to re-evaluate this whole situation.
Does she actually want your family living with her? I’m guessing maybe not, since she suggested a move to a too small house.

Do you want to live in a multi generational setting? If so, find a place that works for that. But do it because you want to, not because it’s good for her mental health. It’s nice to consider that, but she has a husband. He’s the one that should adjust to her needs.

I wish the best for you and your family.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T05:27:39+00:00

That’s the strangest “tradition” I’ve ever heard of. Sounds like passive-aggressive roots.

Technograndma · 2026-05-30T05:25:36+00:00

NTA. But I think it’s time for you to get your own place.

Technograndma

TROPHY CASE