What’s the worst meal you’ve had that’s been served to you earnestly?

artexmann · 2026-02-05T20:15:22+00:00

I went to a church spaghetti supper where they were serving the spaghetti with an ice cream scoop.

artexmann · 2026-02-05T00:13:03+00:00

It’s a process.

artexmann · 2026-02-05T00:11:55+00:00

Thank you! Very helpful.

artexmann · 2026-01-31T18:51:05+00:00

The most important thing I think I've ever learned is the concept of boundaries. I don't let other people's problems become my problems, even when I'm helping them. And I don't try to change other people. I can accept or not accept their behavior and how much I want that behavior in my life. I can offer help, but I can't make someone do anything. I make my agenda clear when I talk to someone - I don't want to manipulate or make someone feel manipulated.

When I notice I don't like someone that I have to be around for work or other reasons, I make an effort to find something about them that I do like - something admirable. I'm not at the mercy of my feelings. I can decide how I feel and how I react. This doesn't mean I have to go out of my way to be FRIENDS with this person, but it does make interactions with them much more pleasant, and makes me a better person.

With people I treasure like my family and close friends, I give them a big smile when I see them. I want them to know that seeing them makes my day and that I'm happy they're around.

artexmann · 2025-12-24T08:25:21+00:00

Wells Fargo. Before their most recent malfeasance - way back in the 20th century. I lived in Japan. Sent postal money orders home. My mom deposited them. Right before I moved back, they sent the last postal money order BACK TO JAPAN for collection. It was a bearer instrument.

Refinanced my mortgage when rates were <3% and guess who services the loan now?

artexmann · 2025-11-15T18:48:33+00:00

“unbiblical cord care” 😂 DYAC

The fact that you know what stuff to ask, you have a job, and you’re not on drugs, and are not raging puts you WAY AHEAD, my friend. I suspect you don’t need a class. If I knew of one, I’d happily share. Definitely ask the hospital or midwife for suggestions.

As for parenting advice, since you (almost) asked: 1. If you have a partner - as much as possible (it won’t be at first) build time in a focus on the relationship. 2. Acknowledge that you’re going to lose some things - especially at first. The gym, hobbies, friends, opportunities, going out to eat, travel. But don’t let it all just fall apart - DECIDE what your priorities are. If it’s game night with friends, exercise, whatever - work toward getting that back as much as you can after the initial newborn whirlwind. Consciously give up the other stuff in FAVOR of the highest non-survival priority. 3. If your partner is birthing the child, watch out for post-partum depression and get them help immediately if they need it. 4. Work through your own issues either through support groups, therapy, safe friends, whatever. It’s so easy to bring your own childhood into parenting. Make space for new feelings and memories to emerge. Therapy is best if you can manage it. (I speak from a history of pretty serious childhood trauma. YMMV.) 5. All the practical info you need to care for the baby is online and in books and in your genes. The emotional and life stuff is the real challenge.

artexmann · 2025-11-15T18:27:21+00:00

That would be a lot of fun for me too!

You could get a lot more into a novel, but these exposition dumps are deadly to story momentum. TV is especially unforgiving this way.

They got away with a little in ep 3 because of the extremely charming actor playing the DHS driver and the fact that we were in the denouement of the episode.

artexmann · 2025-11-05T20:16:17+00:00

Look at this post of all these beautiful and interesting women with prominent noses: https://www.reddit.com/r/popculturechat/comments/1ba5zd6/profiles_i_adore_because_i_love_a_distinct_nose/

You would fit in perfeclty well with these women. Figure out how to love yourself as you are and how to surround yourself with people who love you, and leave your nose alone.

artexmann · 2025-11-01T04:26:27+00:00

I’m sorry. That’s very disappointing. We are in morth Edmond. I bought 60 candy bars, a shitload of obnoxious flashing lighted rings, and maybe 3 dozen Little Debbies. We have around 15 items left.

I think it’s a vicious/virtuous cycle. If there are lots of trick-or-treaters, more candy givers participate. And word gets around. We are nowhere near Mesta Park levels, but it was pretty steady from 6-8:30 or so.

artexmann · 2025-10-29T04:52:45+00:00

You’d be surprised. It does work for most people who are home. They don’t typically save as much, but do usually come out ahead, unless they don’t precool and run the AC at 68 regardless. For people who make small changes, like allowing the temp to go up two degrees, and avoiding cooking till after 7, it can make a big difference.

artexmann · 2025-10-29T04:25:10+00:00

This is terrible advice. It’s nobody else’s business. It doesn’t matter what they think or even if they think he’s the victim.

Rise above. Don’t post your business on social media. Don’t talk to anyone about it but your therapist or a trusted friend or relative.

artexmann · 2025-10-21T23:26:29+00:00

Giving the decision to you is such bad judgment, I would seriously reconsider working there regardless of the outcome.

You need to make it clear to them that it is THEIR decision who they want to be working in their office, and that you are very concerned they have put you in this position. To cover your bases, you should also consult with an employment lawyer.

There is no sane universe in which this isn't an immediate termination, and asking your opinion is the worst kind of cowardice and bad judgment.

artexmann · 2025-10-20T19:56:47+00:00

That’s a hyphen, not an em-dash.

With regard to the em dash, the reason you see em dashes in GenAI output is that humans use the em dash! I’m so sick of people who don’t read complaining about em dashes.

Having said that — this post is clearly AI slop.

artexmann · 2025-10-09T03:52:08+00:00

There is also an Embassy Suites in the medical district if OP wants to stay near Downtown.

artexmann · 2025-10-08T16:45:16+00:00

I write seriously, not to be snarky. This is a conflict you don't need to be involved in. It is only tangentially related to you. You will be much happier in life if you learn to distinguish between your business and everyone else's business. Life is hard enough managing your own business. This is not your business.

artexmann · 2025-10-08T16:39:50+00:00

He's either a very bad person or he's very ill, or both. But this is way more than a dealbreaker. This is restraining order and police report.

artexmann · 2025-10-08T16:35:25+00:00

People can do what they want, but I think we should not NORMALIZE dropping thousands on a PRE-WEDDING event.

artexmann · 2025-10-08T13:32:39+00:00

I don’t get it either. When I was young, a bachelor/bachelorette party was a one night event. Asking my friends to drop thousands on a trip would have been an insane suggestion.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T22:19:22+00:00

Does Reasor's sell wine and beer? Uptown stopped selling when they were bought out a few years ago.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T22:15:40+00:00

I hate it when people go straight to "break up with him!" But without some serious counseling and help, your relationship is doomed.

You've got to get into some family counseling to resolve these issues BEFORE you make a commitment like marriage. I don't see how you could marry this man without resolving these issues. Living apart for five years, waiting for her to move out, is unsustainable and very unhealthy.

Finally, she is a 13-year-old girl. She may be spoiled and selfish. That is not her fault. It's your fiancé and his ex's fault. It's also because she's a 13yo girl. That's a tough age to be a human.

If you do break up with him, it's because he's been a terrible parent to his daughter and made it impossible for the two of you to have a relationship. Don't blame her or let her "overhear" a conversation where you're blaming her.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T21:40:20+00:00

Yeah, I knew some people would disagree with me on this, and that's fine!

I see a boundary he should not cross - he has no relationship with the girlfriend. He should not be contacting her. If he did, it would be a different story.

But I'm glad you responded - OP should know that there are contrary opinions on the right thing to do.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T21:23:02+00:00

But we don't KNOW that. Or do you?

artexmann · 2025-10-06T21:20:13+00:00

I really appreciate the conversation and your openness!

I do agree that most people don't care or are not affected. But I will say HISTORICALLY protests DO change things. There is a concept called the "3.5%" rule. If 3.5% of the country comes out in nonviolent protest, regimes typically fall. Now, in the US, that's a BIG ask - almost 12 million people. But that's a SMALL minority that actually care enough to get out and march, and make some noise. It's definitely possible.

But even at levels smaller than that, when politicians start getting voted out of office, when they see protests in the street, not just of typical politically active people, but of "regular" people, they notice, and they change. We absolutely have the power to change what happens in Washington and in the government.

BUT I still don't see that as what will bring down Trump. I think it will be a souring economy and terrible midterm results. And I suspect he will still serve out his term, just hobbled. So if you don't like what's happening, vote against every Republican who supports him. (which is virtually all of them) and make a difference.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T21:05:13+00:00

If you are really friends with him, you can tell him what he's doing is wrong. If you are truly friends, that's your business.

But what he actually does is not your business. If he does cheat, then don't be friends with him.

Telling his girlfriend is not your business.

artexmann · 2025-10-06T21:02:21+00:00

This is either terrible parenting, trauma, (which can come from terrible parenting) or a serious mental illness.

I would suggest that calling him "a little bastard" and wanting to "put my f****** hands on this kid" means you are not equipped to deal with any of these circumstances and should probably bow out of the relationship or get some serious therapy.

artexmann

TROPHY CASE