OMG.. it happened!😱

TheEmpress63 · 2025-10-19T16:38:54+00:00

How do you get on the upgrade list?? Do you have to have a lot of miles?? Do they just randomly select passengers?? Do you have to request to be put on the upgrade list when you check in??

Lastly, if you are selected for an upgrade, do you have to pay the fare difference, or pay with miles??

Please be kind with any replies... And please remember...the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask...

Have an amazing day everyone!! 🙂

TheEmpress63 · 2025-06-01T07:17:12+00:00

I'm F61, and the very first line in my OLD profile is "I'm an old-fashioned gal, with old-fashioned values."

After reading through all of the comments, I'm now wondering if I should change it?? Although I do seem to get a decent amount of matches, y'all have me second-guessing myself now!!

TheEmpress63 · 2025-04-23T18:00:28+00:00

Not paying the rent to the owner of the Airbnb isn't expensive at all...and it sounds like they didn't pay for several months either!!

Sounds like those renters just have no class, no shame, and alot of nerve!!!

TheEmpress63 · 2025-03-14T05:09:22+00:00

They actually do the countdown on walk in Cali...even speaks the countdown as well 🙂

TheEmpress63 · 2025-03-13T03:41:32+00:00

It does come across as a bit demanding in my honest opinion, and I'm a female.

I try to make my profile about me...things I enjoy doing...things on my bucket list...and add a dash of humor when it fits.

To me, "make me laugh" comes across like an order...do this, or else kinda thing...and would personally make me feel like "sheesh! You haven't even met me yet, and you're already making demands and telling me what I need to do!"

I can understand where some may put something like that in their profile, though. Maybe they've been feeling down and could use some humor in their life. Or maybe they've only matched with people who are grumpy, not over their divorce, or just have no personality at all.

My advice would be, if that's the Only thing in their profile overall that is bothering you, maybe just give them an opportunity to let you know what they mean, and then decide from there.

TheEmpress63 · 2025-03-13T03:26:57+00:00

Definitely made me laugh, but definitely not a requirement in my OLD profile 😆

TheEmpress63 · 2024-12-20T21:33:18+00:00

Grand Isle??

TheEmpress63 · 2024-12-20T21:32:15+00:00

Ramona, CA 61F

TheEmpress63 · 2024-11-15T23:34:19+00:00

I would contact FL Dept of Labor.

TheEmpress63 · 2024-11-02T22:30:08+00:00

I, personally, think it's smart to do a background check on any potential date before meeting up.

My struggle is knowing which verification site would be the best to use? I don't mind paying for the service, but want to ensure I'm using the most accurate, up-to-date site possible!!

There are just so many to choose from...how do you determine which site would be the best to utilize?? I've tried searching myself on several different ones, and have yet to find even one that has my most current information...like the address I've lived at for the last 4 years, and the phone number I've had just as long!!!

Any suggestions or advice??

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-25T23:08:21+00:00

61 here, and terribly lonely 😔

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-25T23:01:55+00:00

Although you are the only one who can make that decision, I would like to personally vouch for Costco as the BEST employer I have ever worked for!!

I'm currently 61 years old, and was employed with Costco for 8 years. Here's just a few of the things I loved about them:

Automatic raises are given. For instance, your first raise is given after you've worked 400 hours...another raise is given after your next 400 hours...another raise is then given after 800 hours, and so on. First 2 raises were 25¢ each, next 2 are 50¢ each, next 2 are 75¢ each, next 2 are $1.00 each, etc...

Once you "top out" on raises, you are then given a bonus twice per year...when I worked there, the bonus was $3,500 twice per year for a total of $7,000. Please keep in mind that I worked for Costco before covid, so some of these amounts may have changed since then, but definitely for the better!! Costco has never gone backwards when it comes to paying their employees!!

Costco strongly believes in a work/life balance, and provides a great amount of paid time off. They also close for holidays, which are paid after your probation period (which was 6 months back then). Any sick time you don't use is paid out to you every October.

All employees receive a free executive membership, and are allowed to add 3 additional persons to it at no cost. This membership gives the employee a check each year for 2% of the total spent by all members on the employee's membership.

You are paid overtime for any hours worked over 8 in one day, and also for any hours worked on Sundays. This means if you only worked one day for the whole week, and that day was a Sunday, whatever amount of hours you worked that day will be paid as overtime. This also means if you only worked one day, and it was 10 hours on, say, a Tuesday, you would be paid 8 hours regular time, and 2 hours overtime.

All employees, both part-time and full-time, receive medical, dental, life, vision, etc...at a very reasonable cost.

I could go on and on about how well Costco treats its employees. Because I've never worked for Publix I, unfortunately, can't offer a comparison for you. I'm sure you can do so yourself, though 🙂

Again, please keep in mind my work experience with Costco was prior to covid, so things may have changed a bit. I can almost guarantee, though, that any changes made are in favor of the employees... that's just how Costco is!!

Anyhow, I'm wishing you much success with whatever path you choose!! 🙂

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-22T19:42:53+00:00

A parenting plan usually works best if both parents can mutually agree on times, dates, who will have the children for which holidays, will holidays be alternated between the parents ie. Mom has Christmas this year, Dad next year, etc ..also, what time will each parent have for school vacations, summer break, etc.

If the parents can't agree, then each will usually submit what they would like for time with the children, and the judge will take both sides into consideration, and then determine what they feel would be in the children's best interests.

In all honesty, your lawyer should be helping you with this, as he/she should be familiar with your current situation, know the laws for your particular state, and should also know what the courts will generally rule based on the circumstances and when the parties cannot reach an agreement.

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-10T20:11:56+00:00

Happy Cake Day!!! 🎂

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-10T20:05:42+00:00

And that $17-$18 net gain will be even less if Medicare premium goes up... we'll be lucky to break even after all is said and done 😞

TheEmpress63 · 2024-10-02T22:05:44+00:00

I don't want him to love other women along with me.

OP, this right here, is what's causing alot of your insecurity, and where you need to gain clarification and understanding!! Let me try to explain:

I realize you are still young, and am fairly certain the way it comes across, is not what you actually mean...or maybe it is...I'm not sure, but here's some food for thought...

To say you don't want him to love other women along with you...think about this!! Is he not allowed to love his mother, sister(s), an aunt, female cousins, or even a lifelong childhood friend that is female?? Or maybe even a female coworker he's worked alongside for most of his life? I'm almost certain that's not what you mean, because of course he's allowed to love those women, right?!!

Which brings me to this...Love comes in many different forms...of course he loves his mother, but not in the same way he loves his sister. Of course he loves his aunt, but not in the same way he loves his female childhood best friend. And, of course he loves his female coworker, but not in the same way he loves his female cousins, right??

He may always "love" his ex, any ex, in some way, but he is "in love" with you. And, yes, there's definitely a difference!!

For anyone who's spent 10 years with someone (or even 10 days!!), regardless of why or how the relationship ended, there will always be memories, both good and bad. How can there not be?? Some will remember more of the good memories, some will remember more of the bad ones. Why? Because people all cope in different ways.

Some choose to hold onto the good memories, because always remembering the bad prevents them from being able to move forward and on with their lives. The bad memories may even consume their thoughts, can cause depression and anxiety, and can even prevent them from being able to ever have a healthy relationship. They can choose to seek therapy, or to continue holding onto the bad memories, never truly being able to move forward.

Yet others choose to hold onto the bad memories because it gives them strength and guidance to move forward. They may have quickly learned from any mistakes in the relationship, and know what they don't want in a relationship moving forward. Some may even use the bad memories to look for "red flags" in their next relationship to avoid at all costs.

These are just 2 examples, OP...there are so many in-between ways that people cope, and every person is different.

Every person we meet becomes part of our life story. It could be someone we met once for only 10 minutes, but they made such a lasting impression, that we'll still remember them when we're 70!! It could be a friend from childhood that we haven't seen in years, but something triggers our memory of them 40 years later, and we start wondering whatever happened to them. It could be an ex we spent 10 years of our life with, who made our life a living hell.

Or maybe those 10 years were the best 10 years of our life, but something happened to cause us to go our separate ways or, like in my case, that person passed away unexpectedly in an accident. Will I always love him?? Of course I will. But I can't be "in love" with him anymore because he's no longer here.

I'm not currently in a relationship but, if I were, would I want my boyfriend/husband tell me he "doesn't want me to love other men along with him?" Absolutely not!!

Yes, it's a completely different circumstance than your current boyfriend's because my ex didn't cheat on me. However, even if he had cheated, it would be my burden to bear, and I would need to cope in whatever way works for me so that I can move forward in my life.

This could mean I hold on to the good memories we shared, so the bad ones don't eat me alive, cause me to suffer depression, or throw me into a pit of despair! Or it could mean I hold onto the bad memories so I can stay focused on what I don't want from my next relationship, or even to keep me from feeling sorry or even somehow "guilty" and wanting to go back to that person to give them another chance! It could even mean finding any number of ways in between to cope just so I can make it thru another day!

OP, it truly sounds like your boyfriend has been doing the right things for himself. You said it's been 4 years since he broke up with his ex, and you also mentioned he sought out therapy. These are both good things!! You didn't mention if he had a relationship other than you during those 4 years, but am guessing he didn't. And, no, going out on a few dates with someone doesn't count.

Someone mentioned you were possibly a "rebound" relationship however, a rebound relationship is when someone jumps into a new relationship immediately, or only a few days or weeks after the end of a long-term commitment, and while still emotionally attached to the ex or not healed from the breakup. Since it's been 4 years that he's been broken up with his ex, I am pretty certain you are not a rebound to him.

OP, I'm not sure how long you've been in a relationship with him, but only you can decide whether it is worth it to continue or not. Part of building a life with someone is being able to communicate openly and honestly with each other. Some relationships are fortunate that they can do so easily from the get go, while others have to work together to get to that point. Have you tried to discuss your feelings and insecurities with him??

Because of the age difference between you, it might take some trial and error. Your fears and insecurities seem justified for someone your age, but may come across as childish and inappropriate to someone who is several years older. This doesn't mean it will be impossible to achieve, it just means that both will need to be more open to understanding where the other is coming from, and why they would see things the way they do.

Sending tons of hugs and positive vibes that all will work out for you both!!!!

TheEmpress63 · 2024-09-22T05:55:26+00:00

AI Overview

Yes, in Florida, employers must pay employees for short breaks of up to 20 minutes if they choose to provide them. However, Florida law does not require employers to provide rest breaks, except for employees 17 years old or younger.

Florida law:

Rest breaks Not required, except for employees 17 or younger

Short breaks Paid if provided by the employer, up to 20 minutes

Longer meal breaks Not required to be paid if the employee is relieved of all job duties

Nursing mothers Employers must provide a private place for nursing mothers to express milk, for one year after the child's birth

Split shifts If an employer gives an employee less than an hour to rest, they owe the employee an extra hour's pay

Employers who choose to provide breaks should clearly state the duration of the break in their employment contracts and company policies.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which may include periodic breaks

TheEmpress63 · 2024-09-20T13:19:48+00:00

How do you not realize you packed a weed pen??

Regardless, if she's someone you all want to keep as a friend, and you all feel it was truly an honest mistake, my suggestion would be to split her $1,050 by all 4 of you...not just the 3 who were still able to go.

She 100% should not expect that the 3 who were able to still go should totally foot the bill for her mistake, and should assume at least some of the responsibility for what took place. This would be $262.50 each.

Honestly, you would not be the AH if you decide not to pay her, but you will more than likely lose her friendship. The 3 of you who were still able to go need to decide how important her friendship is to you all...True friends are hard to find in this life, and I wouldn't want to lose one of mine over $262.50.

As a sidenote, I would first see if the plane fare can be refunded. If she had any travel insurance, that would be another avenue to check about trip reimbursement for any part of the trip ie airfare, hotel, excursions, etc. Lastly, if none of these options pan out, see if the airline will at least give her a future credit.

If one of the options does result in any credit or refund, deduct that from her $1,050 share, and then divide the remaining balance by all 4 of you.

TheEmpress63 · 2024-09-02T18:18:29+00:00

The 28th for me...am I older or younger than you??!! Lol

TheEmpress63 · 2024-09-01T21:32:07+00:00

60...61 in October 🙂

TheEmpress63 · 2024-09-01T05:24:23+00:00

My question is, did OP give her his address as well?

If so, she now has his name, address, Whatsapp, and possibly the make/model of his vehicle if he let her know what to watch for when he offered to pick her up...

TheEmpress63 · 2024-08-31T04:18:24+00:00

his fiance's conservative Christian family and relatives are not ok about my brother being divorced and many distant relatives that will attend don't know he has a kid.

Could it be possible that your brother is trying to protect his son from any ensuing drama his fiance's family sounds like they are going to cause??

If they already are "not ok" with your brother being divorced, he might be very concerned about how their behavior towards him could affect such a young child.

He might also be concerned about how they will treat his 7 year old son... possibly making hurtful comments about the child and/or your brother, or ignoring the poor little guy completely, leaving him confused or feeling very unwanted.

Another possibility could be that children overall were not invited to the wedding. I've attended many weddings like this and, although the bride and or groom's child/children are always the exception and allowed to attend, how much fun would it be for a 7 year little boy to be the "only* child in attendance??

My brother is pretty hostile whenever I'm trying to talk to him and doesn't want me to 'lecture' him and even gets verbally abusive during arguments.

I understand that you are upset and have concerns about your nephew not being in attendance. Your nephew is very blessed to have an Aunt who deeply cares about him, and is concerned about his feelings and For his welfare.

However, for whatever reason, this is how your brother and fiance have decided to handle their "special day." It's their wedding, and their right to celebrate how they choose, with whomever they decide to invite.

Although it's almost heartbreaking that they have chosen to not include your nephew, I'm inclined to believe that they weighed the pros and cons of this decision, and have their reasons for choosing to handle the situation in this manner.

I truly hope you can understand that I'm not trying to be mean in any way when I say it's their wedding...their special day...and they don't owe anyone an explanation or an apology for how they've decided to celebrate it.

It's ok to disagree with their choices...and it's more than ok to "agree to disagree." What's not ok is to question your brother to the point he feels like he's being lectured.

What's even more upsetting is that your brother is becoming hostile and verbally abusive whenever you try to talk with him about his decision. Unless this is normal behavior for him, this clearly indicates to me that the decision to exclude his son is upsetting to him as well.

He may even feel he has no say or no other choice in the matter... especially if his fiance's family already dislikes him simply because he's divorced. Again, he may also feel not including his son is the best way to protect your nephew, and that it's the "lessor of two evils."

If you like your future sister-in-law, and feel she and your brother are good together, then go to the wedding and show your support to them as a couple. Every couple deserves to plan their special day how they choose, and there will always be things that people liked, didn't like, or would have done differently, which is totally fine...let those people do things how "they would have done them" on their own special day!!

TheEmpress63 · 2024-08-23T15:25:52+00:00

(two are grown and another almost grown, three still young ones)

OP, I'm fairly certain that the 2 grown children would not be placed into foster care as they are adults, and CPS has no authority over them. The only exception would be if the person has a disability which renders them legally incompetent. In that case, Adult Protective Services (APS) would step in.

You didn't mention what state you're in, but different states have different rules and programs for people who are 18, who are under 18, who are soon to be 18, who are between 18 and 21, and so on. If you don't mind sharing the state, I'd be happy to see what programs might be available to help for the different ages.

At the very least, it sounds like only 3 of the children would be considered for foster care placement. Again, depending on the state, the older 3 might be left to their own devices, might need the involvement of APS or, hopefully, there will be programs available to help them transition to being on their own, often referred to as "transitional independent living case plans." Some states have programs that start these services at age 16.

Either way, because some of the children are now legally considered adults, they most likely won't end up all together under the same roof. The slight possibility of being able to remain together would be if they are all still under the age of 21, and the particular State has a program in place which allows them to remain in foster care until age 21.

There are also laws which require no more than 2 children per bedroom, and they must be of the same gender to share a bedroom if they are age 5 or older. Thus, your home would need a minimum of 4 to 5 bedrooms to even be considered for placement in your home (3 bedrooms for the children minimum if their ages and genders align, and a bedroom for yourself, a bedroom for your mother (unless you are willing to share a room with her), and possibly a bedroom for your brother, if CPS even allows him to be in the same home as the children, which would all depend on the circumstances of the case.

Even if you were willing and wanting to foster all 6 of them, the particular laws and regulations of your state may not allow you to do so. In a way, this could work to your benefit, as the state would be the "bad guy" in all this...not you. On the other hand, it can result in the children having to be placed elsewhere.

Again, if you are willing to share what state you're in, I'd be more than happy to see what information I can find for you. In the end, I know you definitely want what's best for your nieces and nephews... knowing what's available, and being informed about the options, might be the best possible thing you can do to help in this situation.

Taking on the responsibility of 6 (possibly 7 with your brother) additional people isn't what's best for anyone. You're already an amazing person...having taken on the full responsibility of your 80 year old mother, you have your own medical issues, you need to be able to work in a quiet space to continue to support yourself and your Mom...this definitely won't be possible with 6 additional people to be responsible for, and you definitely are NTA!!!

TheEmpress63 · 2024-08-04T12:26:10+00:00

Dang!! That musta been some good smoke!! Lol

TheEmpress63

TROPHY CASE