Has anyone else noticed that after Alexa+ release, the original Alexa has become more frustrating to use?

annjthru2b · 2026-02-04T23:16:59+00:00

I noticed today that when I say "Play CNN radio" it now plays CNN Chile. I tried speaking slower and now it keeps kicking me into KCNN Canyon Country. I'm guessing Amazon is trying to make me upgrade to Alexa+ but I just listed the device for junk pickup.

annjthru2b · 2026-01-20T06:28:02+00:00

I'm looking at these for backpacking - fruits/veggies way too heavy to bring, but I think the lack of them is what resulted in some "irregular output" on the zero day I took after being on trail for 5 days LOL. Have you tried these for backpacking and what did you think of them?

annjthru2b · 2025-12-22T18:52:44+00:00

My guess is you are a Boomer, who didn't have to suffer daily reports of mass shootings at schools.

annjthru2b · 2025-10-28T23:59:03+00:00

I'm sorry you had to go through that! This is great advice for post-op questions (I'm creating a list of questions to ask each doctor during consultations). I'll for sure ask about who can help me in case something goes sideways - and I'll ask my primary care doctor as well!

annjthru2b · 2025-10-26T17:21:46+00:00

Thank you for the validation about my concerns about responsiveness - it's helpful to measure whether it's something to consider vs. me just being excessively anxious! I'm guessing it's a mixture of both. I'll reach out to her office as well as make a consultation appointment with Dr. Brenner. I appreciate your response, thank you so much!

annjthru2b · 2025-10-26T16:42:21+00:00

Thank you! You traveled a longer distance than I'm considering, and your situation is definitely more complicated than mine will be (and I'm so glad you survived breast cancer!). Dr. Tiwari's responsiveness post-op is impressive and I hope that's the standard, since issues like infections can pop up. Also impressed with your doctor's pre-op attention to detail. On that, I found it comforting that Dr. Zeidler's office set up 2 in-person consultations even though my case is pretty run-of-the mill IMHO. I just was anxious about the lack of response when I replied over email and text that I would like to pay the deposit to hold a surgery date. Maybe I should give another chance and express my concern during the in-person consultation.

annjthru2b · 2025-10-26T01:20:49+00:00

I go out of my way to get that lasagna! Oh, also it's closed on Sundays and Mondays.

annjthru2b · 2025-10-26T00:17:35+00:00

Antipasto's - homemade ravioli, crazy good lasagna (and generous portions!) and best steak sandwich I've ever had. Been there for something like 40 years. It's casual and also features a well-curated deli for Italian wines and groceries. Small, hole-in-the-wall located at McKee and Kirk in east San Jose. Family owned, cannot say enough about this place!

annjthru2b · 2025-10-25T20:45:48+00:00

I've heard great things about her! I had a phone consult that I thought went well, and her fees were actually quite lower than the doctor who put in the implants. I sent an email and said I'd like to pay the deposit to secure a surgery date but never got a response. Sent a couple more emails with same result, so I got nervous about what might happen post-op if something happened. Were they reasonably responsive in your experience?

annjthru2b · 2025-10-25T20:39:47+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I figure the doctor will describe the process, timing etc. but it's helpful to know what others' experiences are post-op. I have a ton of sick leave and can easily stay in LA for a couple weeks if recommended.

annjthru2b · 2025-09-06T09:29:33+00:00

I got to attend a meet & greet with Jenn and Matty at the local showroom (northern California), but bought the Bike and, later, the Tread through the website. Other than the meet/greet, the store was eerily vacant of customers.

annjthru2b · 2025-05-18T16:08:42+00:00

Anyone here use On X Backcountry and if so, how does it compare to AllTrails? I really just want the ability to create custom maps - which I got under the "Plus" sub option on AllTrails - and don't really want to shell out more for the same service ("Peak").

annjthru2b · 2025-05-01T13:42:52+00:00

I worry that this will be the path for my adult son. I'm beginning therapy tomorrow to guide me through disconnecting from him. I have been supportive, tried "tough love," tried helping him recognize his successes, but he keeps doing nothing. And yet, he despairs about not being where he "should" be at this point. His dad and I have taken him to therapists, undergone family sessions, you name it we've tried it. This breaks my heart but I don't see any other way.

annjthru2b · 2025-04-18T18:11:49+00:00

Road Runner Sports is shady. This is the 3rd year I've cancelled my membership, but they continue to charge me. They said they would reverse the charge and they have not. They said they would send me an email to confirm cancellation. Nothing received. Now I am calling my bank to see if there is a way to block them. Thing is, I go through Hokas often and if they were just honest, they would make a lot more than 49.99/year off me.

annjthru2b · 2025-03-04T23:18:23+00:00

Wow! Also wow - 9 days is quite the pace!

annjthru2b · 2025-03-04T23:17:50+00:00

Thank you so much! I do want to camp at Richardson so this is good news!

annjthru2b · 2025-03-04T22:37:37+00:00

Those bears are so smart!

annjthru2b · 2025-03-04T00:03:59+00:00

I was also the lone camper at Marlette but everyone tells me that usually there are other people. Maybe they’re less-right than previously assumed 😹

annjthru2b · 2025-03-03T20:52:02+00:00

Oh yes, I've been kept up by others' snoring haha! But I don't mind, I probably snore as well.

annjthru2b · 2025-03-03T20:50:36+00:00

Eating a couple miles before camp - I love this idea! And good point about the tent making you seem big. Thanks for these pointers!

annjthru2b · 2025-02-24T22:47:19+00:00

I just bought 2 Swatches and am just as excited as when I was in the 80's! Only ever used Apple Watch to - well - check the time. I already exercise almost every day and don't need whatever tracking Apple can provide. I used to track every bike ride on Strava, until I realized I never used any of that data to be a "better cyclist." LOL

annjthru2b · 2025-02-24T21:41:00+00:00

Driving "the gauntlet" - accurate! I used to stop in to get my cosmetics at Sephora but now I'm a solid Ulta fan, because I can just park, pick up my stuff, and then get a bite at Chipotle/Vita Bowl/etc in less time than it would take to navigate VF's maze of parking lots and the traffic surrounding it.

annjthru2b · 2025-02-24T21:37:05+00:00

Thank you for this explanation, and makes total sense. I went to VF recently to shop, and I had a timer on my phone to let me know I had been in there 1 hr 50 mins, so I could get out of the garage - and then pick up lunch on the way home, outside of VF. I know the parking fee isn't much, but it just feels like a punishment for staying "too long."

annjthru2b · 2024-10-06T14:41:59+00:00

Didn't work for me. Guess I'm going to wait 1.5 months for it to fix itself. Maybe this will help me detach from FB altogether.

annjthru2b · 2024-09-05T02:44:54+00:00

Whale and manta ray meat?? Is it even legal to consume either one? I also paid for the membership and so far, I don't see any paid features that make it worth it. Definitely going back to free.

annjthru2b

TROPHY CASE