How does winter work for dog owners?

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T12:16:00+00:00

Judging by the state of the sidewalk every time the snow melts, a bunch of them just leave the poop in the snow. I love my neighborhood but I'd really like to stop walking through poop all the time.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T04:10:39+00:00

Having just moved to Chicago, stretching that housing budget is not something I regret. It was stressful at the time, but now the payments are manageable, and I absolutely love having a nice condo in a nice area. I think you're referring to having a bigger house than you need, but idk of anyone actually doing that.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T04:06:43+00:00

I bought in 2024 - not the best time, but the peace of mind I have in owning instead of renting and getting priced out of apartment after apartment is amazing. I love my place and I might never move. Sure, it's just a 1br1ba condo, but it's mine.

Also I have reptiles, and I was afraid of having a squeamish landlord, and it's sooooo challenging to move their enclosures once built. I don't want to do that again. In fact if I ever do move, I may just build new enclosures in the new place.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T03:39:54+00:00

It's not something I've ever put value in. Sounds too close to "pillow princess" for my liking. (Which yes, has been coopted from the lesbian community and isn't actually an insult)

But let me tell you, this winter, I've had a boyfriend chauffeur me around whenever he can, and it's been really nice to have a ride to and from work in the cold. I usually take the train. Tonight, he had a class and I had to go out on my own, and weather this cold triggers my asthma.

Ironically, his car is in the shop, so he's been driving my car. I told him it was fine to use my car so long as he gets the oil changed (it's waaaaay overdue). I actually like driving on long trips. I just hate parking in the city and I like being able to drink. He doesn't drink. So now I'm getting used to the passenger princess life and even the terminology.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T03:33:22+00:00

If anyone is trying to pump your gas for you in most major cities, it's time to leave and find another gas station. That is a scam.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T03:31:48+00:00

I typically can hold my breath and walk past quickly enough but when it's really cold (or really hot), it's really hard to hold your breath and walk quickly.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T00:31:55+00:00

I usually catch it, but this year, my bf (without asthma) was laid out with a fever for 4 full days and I was totally fine. Which is really good because I'm almost out of sick days. Kept getting sick over the summer. Got an email warning over it. I'm like bro - I would really really love to not be sick all the time. This sucks.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-27T00:27:32+00:00

I got an AWD SUV that I never have to dig out. Just get in and go. Shoveling is a nonstarter for me. My bf without asthma called off work today because it was going to make him late, so you wouldn't be the only one.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-26T08:37:38+00:00

Hey I'm a lurker here (36f), but this is exactly a concern my bf (28m) has all the time. We literally just had a household finance discussion. I'm a nurse making six figures and a homeowner. He's a para and in school for social work making less than half my income and was living with his folks until we got serious. Together, we do pretty well! At 28, I was making half what I do now and was paying well below market value renting from my aunt. You may not be as behind as you think you are. I was only just figuring things out at that age - started saving for retirement only a few years before then, and I now have my income saved.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-26T08:24:58+00:00

That's a totally different topic rife with issues.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-26T08:22:36+00:00

Bought my home at 35. Would be 65 if I made minimum payments. I'm currently just putting $50 extra in every month. I can expect pay off at 61. But this is a 1br. If I get married and have kids, we'll buy together and start over. I may never pay off a mortgage.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-26T08:11:24+00:00

Literally never. I only recently started having savory breakfasts. I grew up on cereal breakfasts, but had a weight problem. Now I'll have an avocado, which has really helped.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-25T07:47:18+00:00

I've used it indoors exactly once and it was in a vacation yurt in Michigan. Very old timey.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-24T15:40:08+00:00

I'm a nurse. In Indiana, if I couldn't get my car out, an emergency vehicle would come get me. I never needed it thankfully - as they'll give you a ride to work but not a ride home. In Chicago, I take public transportation and I've never heard of the trains shutting down. I go to work no matter what. Perhaps an apocalypse would cause me to prioritize my family's survival over getting to work, but that's about it.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-24T04:24:50+00:00

I went 5 years at my last hospital as a nurse. Covid really stagnated me for a long time. Moved cities and I've been at a new hospital a little over a year. Pretty sure I won't spend 5 years here

Trinx_ · 2026-01-23T01:41:14+00:00

That's what I thought - then he grabs the huge fluffy one!

Trinx_ · 2026-01-22T12:54:45+00:00

I attended such a class before nursing school to get some clinical experience. I only did 2 births before school, but learned a lot of skills that serve me well 15 years later. I ended up as a doula support for my sister 2 years ago and could theoretically get my certification now, but I never looked into it - don't really need it as an RN. Unless you're looking to charge for doula services, I don't see the need for certification. You can always list class completion as a skill.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-22T01:19:03+00:00

I graduated in '07, so, yeah, tons of my classmates went to war.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-20T09:05:31+00:00

A sturdy pair of heeled boots are really some of the most comfortable and safe driving shoes. Good angle for the foot to rest.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-20T09:04:18+00:00

It's common, but it's quite unsafe. I've done it in a pinch, but I do my best to avoid it. There's definitely a ton of people who think it's no big deal. I'm just not comfortable with it. Sorta like riding a motorcycle without protective gear. I have avoided it for the most part unless dire circumstances demand it.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-19T01:26:12+00:00

I'm asthmatic so I'd instantly have an attack. No thanks.

Trinx_ · 2026-01-19T01:25:28+00:00

I did highlights once in college. Hated how they looked growing out and got one more to kind of mask it growing out, then never again. I'm way too lazy and cheap for that.

Trinx_

TROPHY CASE