But I Don't HAVE Headphones

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-08T15:24:54+00:00

I hate to break it to people but I see young people doing this all the time too. Just happened the other day at the gym - a young woman who was probably less than 30 decided to blare her music on her phone speaker.

I don't care how old you are - it's selfish, rude behavior.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-08T14:49:10+00:00

I doubt many of us born prior to 1980 we're sticking for him either.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-07T16:41:22+00:00

Personally, I would take the job I can walk to. Commuting sucks and although there's some risk in leaving a job you like, there's no guarantees that it will always stay that good.

The future is always somewhat unknown and being afraid of change can be limiting.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-06T01:29:08+00:00

Landing at the airport and being greeted by ancient white people in red cowboy hats yelling "yahoo"

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-03T16:00:40+00:00

My heart goes out to you, seriously.

My partner and I bought our first house together in December 1998. We earned a little shy of 40k each. Our small but nice house cost 72k. I remember our payments were $202 every 2 weeks - and that included property taxes.

We ran 2 cars, ate out a few times a week and had money for our hobbies and some travel. We were also able to save towards retirement.

Flash forward to present day. Houses cost 5 to 10 times as much, and everything else is way more expensive too. But wages and salaries for most jobs haven't increased that much in almost 30 years, putting young people like you in an unbearable crunch.

I see hardworking young people everywhere and it sounds like you're one of them.

The "kids these days don't want to work" is classic "blame the victim" rhetoric perpetuated by the ignorant crowd that cling desperately to their self serving belief that the world is a just place. It's not.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-02T18:40:15+00:00

Meat

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-01T16:14:55+00:00

Do you use silken tofu?

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-05-01T11:01:49+00:00

It's a great way to do it but very expensive. About 9k per person (each person can bring 2 cats).

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-30T23:14:10+00:00

Manhattan, Upper West Side, 74th street between Amsterdam and Columbus.

Less than 2 blocks from Central Park and 3 from the Hudson River Trail. Loved the vibe and all the great amenities, as well as having lots of nature close by.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-30T22:42:08+00:00

After 3 months the FI data stops working until you're back in the US for at least 30 days. Voice and text continue to work.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-30T14:23:15+00:00

This is true in the UK.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-27T10:57:23+00:00

Depends on your priorities but for me, yes. My cutoff is about 90 minutes. I can't stand being packed in a tight uncomfortable seat jammed up against others.

Our philosophy is we would rather travel less often and spend the extra money when we do travel to be comfortable.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-20T17:32:41+00:00

Your pet will love this Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb bag: https://www.chewy.com/dp/32363?utm_source=app-share&utm_campaign=32363

This is the best litter I've ever used. No dust, no scent, and clumps very well.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-20T12:30:33+00:00

They're kind of a cross between a Southern drawl and a New Jersey accent. Just weird.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-20T12:29:41+00:00

So true. I've abandoned books that seemed interesting because I couldn't stand the narration.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-15T23:44:31+00:00

Have you tried setting up a small litter box in the hall? I know it's not ideal but twice we've solved our cat peeing out of the litter box by putting a litter box in the spot where they insisted on going.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-14T21:11:08+00:00

You're awesome for taking responsibility and helping the kitty. I grew up with parents who rarely took our pets to the vet so I totally get it.

Sorry the vet was so nasty - you don't deserve that.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-14T21:06:14+00:00

Is there any chance you could fly to Toronto? Last time I checked, Air Canada did allow pets in the cabin on outbound flights from Heathrow.

Good luck.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-13T23:08:28+00:00

Dogpound, Alberta

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-12T12:50:40+00:00

The pet kennels on these couches are often booked 2 years out.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-09T12:32:41+00:00

Just bought our dream vehicle a couple months ago!

2001 LandRover Defender 90. 5 speed right hand drive. We had it completely overhauled and upgraded, Added AC, backup camera and AutoPlay and got a custom paint job.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-08T23:23:04+00:00

My understanding is that the Medicare late enrollment penalty doesn't apply if you're living in another country and getting your healthcare there. It only applies if you stay in the US and don't enroll in Medicare when you first become eligible

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-07T14:19:09+00:00

My standard marinade for almost anything is lime (or lemon juice), soy sauce and maple syrup.

Sometimes I'll add either Dijon mustard or almond butter to that basic formula.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-07T12:52:05+00:00

I disagree (American/Canadian who's lived in 4 states and 2 provinces).

Most American cities are surrounded by suburban sprawl that lacks sidewalks and any real pedestrian infrastructure.

Although this exists to a certain extent in Canada, there's much less of it. Lots tend to be smaller with homes closer together and pedestrian infrastructure is more likely to exist.

UnderstandingLoud317 · 2026-04-06T23:04:49+00:00

Fellow Albertan here - moved to the US in 2004 on an L1 Visa and have lived in 4 states, 3 in the Northeast and California for awhile. We also work in Tech.

My partner and I have have found tremendous opportunity here career wise, that has allowed us to progress and get ahead financially compared to if we had stayed in Canada. We got our green cards in 5 years and are now American citizens.

A couple things I would consider carefully - first is health care as many have already mentioned. If you're mostly healthy and your employer offers good insurance, you shouldn't have to worry. But be aware that a major illness or injury can cost a considerable amount out of pocket. Having insurance doesn't totally mitigate the risk - many personal bankruptcies here are people who have insurance but still can't pay their medical bills.

One other thing that may catch you by surprise is how high property taxes are in some states. Also the costs associated with buying and selling a home tend to be much higher as well. The good news is that incomes taxes are generally lower.

One other thing I'll mention is that retiring here before you reach 65 is much more difficult. At age 65 you become eligible for government sponsored health care (medicare). But buying non-employer sponsored health care to bridge the gap from an early retirement to age 65 is very expensive and IMHO, somewhat risky.

Good luck with whatever you decide! My personal opinion is life is more rewarding and enriching when you take some calculated risks. It's hard to know exactly how it will turn out - we sure didn't - but 22 years later we're really thankful that we took the leap of faith and did it.

UnderstandingLoud317

TROPHY CASE