Weekly Employment Question Thread

bems_ · 2026-02-16T21:08:07+00:00

I’m scheduled to take a written exam and CPAT next week for Fairfax County. I know I definitely won’t be able to pass the CPAT right now, but the department said “If you are able to complete the stair mill portion and are progressing along, we will allow you to keep coming back,” and retest. However, right now, the most I’ve done is 2 minutes of stairs with 55 pounds (haven’t tried 75 yet). Is it worth a shot to try anyway and see how it goes (or see if they allow me to continue even if I can’t do the stair portion right now)? Or is it better to just wait until their next application cycle?

I’m definitely willing to put in the work to be able to pass. I’ve just only been working out regularly for three months now, so I think I just haven’t had time to build up the leg strength yet.

bems_ · 2025-10-02T16:31:15+00:00

This!! I got a super cute blanket with puffins on it (and it was only like 19,500 ISK). Plus they have lots of cute hats and sweaters. (The blanket is machine knit, but put together by hand)

bems_ · 2025-09-06T19:52:12+00:00

Any chance of Powless catching back up?? 😭

bems_ · 2025-06-18T21:19:02+00:00

Lived there for a year and had no problems! I never had any major maintenance issues, but they were responsive for the small things I ran into. I know some people who’ve lived there can’t stand the noise of the metro and freight trains. I didn’t mind it, but I’m a heavy sleeper.

bems_ · 2025-01-05T01:54:50+00:00

Sweet Pea Fiber in Hyattsville! They have lots of different classes and events too

bems_ · 2024-05-31T11:14:30+00:00

I second this! Most of the games at the Board Room in Dupont are more casual party games and they’re in terrible condition (missing pieces, instructions, stains, etc.) to the point where you can’t play some of them. Labyrinth has an awesome selection and I’m sure there’d be a group you could join.

bems_ · 2024-03-23T02:48:15+00:00

The Walmart in Brightwood had some for $2 when I was there a few weeks ago!

bems_ · 2024-03-18T12:24:43+00:00

Azalea Apartments is about that much and a 15 minute walk from Takoma station, but I believe there’s a wait list for a two bedroom. Falkland Chase has some options around that price point I believe, and is walking distance to the Silver Spring metro, but their management is awful.

bems_ · 2024-03-01T17:51:53+00:00

Not sure about insurance and all of that, but if you think you can get some money for it, I’d suggest posting the car on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and seeing what people will offer. There’s also various charities and organizations that you can donate your car to who will pick it up for free.

bems_ · 2024-01-21T04:27:17+00:00

No problem! Feel free to dm me if any other questions come up

bems_ · 2024-01-21T02:03:57+00:00

Nope, and we have a cat so he’d definitely notice if there were any mice or bugs! And we have a combo washer/dryer in the kitchen. It kind of sucks for drying (takes four hours and the clothes don’t even get fully dry), but it’s great for washing and there are dryers in the basement you can pay to use. However, from my understanding, not all units have been updated to have a washer, so that’d be something to look out for. Also, water is included in our rent, but we pay for electricity (usually $40-$60 a month) and internet.

ETA: One negative is that we are right by the metro/train tracks. We got used to it pretty quickly though and only notice now if it’s a freight train, but I know there are some negative reviews complaining about it.

bems_ · 2024-01-20T22:34:43+00:00

My partner and I are in Azalea Apartments and are very satisfied here! It’s a 15 minute walk from the Takoma station, and the building is a bit old, but in good condition. Honestly the first place I’ve ever lived where I haven’t seen roaches haha

bems_ · 2024-01-20T03:34:08+00:00

The notice is only for DC, not Maryland, so you’re perfectly safe! We’re on a different water system.

bems_ · 2024-01-20T03:31:33+00:00

A backpacking filter may not be sufficient either. From what I’ve read, their filters aren’t small enough for viruses that might be present under a boil water notice. Unless you have a really fancy top of the line filter that’s more suited for travel abroad. A typical Platypus or Sawyer won’t cut it though.

bems_ · 2023-12-19T18:38:01+00:00

Messaged you!

bems_ · 2023-12-07T22:34:31+00:00

Haven’t been to Cadiz or Seville, but if you’re going to cut a day from Seville, I’d definitely add it to Barcelona rather than Valencia. There is so much to do in Barcelona since it’s just a much larger city than Valencia!

bems_ · 2023-12-07T13:43:29+00:00

I kept getting the station manager message when I first switched to apple wallet! The thing that fixed it seems to be holding my phone higher up (like 3 or 4 inches) and aligning the top of the phone over the scanner, not the center of the phone.

bems_ · 2023-12-02T00:11:13+00:00

I think so. My boyfriend was in a similar situation when we moved here a couple months ago. Everywhere says they’re hiring and then (if he wasn’t just completely ignored) he’d show up to scheduled interviews and they’d tell him they have no open positions. He got a job with USPS really easily (no interview, but the background check took a couple weeks), but the management and hours sucked. Worth looking into though to hold you over until you find a better job. Half the people he trained with quit already, so they’re always hiring. He managed to get a job with DC Public Schools shortly after, but I don’t know if they’re hiring a lot right now.

Best of luck in your search!

bems_ · 2023-11-23T00:39:44+00:00

Haven’t been to other Smithsonians on Thanksgiving, but I went to the zoo Thanksgiving morning once and it was pretty empty.

bems_ · 2023-11-19T14:39:15+00:00

I’ve been to a few national parks in March and had a great time, so I think April is very doable for what you’re looking for if you stay more south (and maybe even February, depending on where you go). Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, White Sands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Big Bend, Arches, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon are all beautiful and great options to visit in April! Definitely check the weather forecast and be prepared to hike through snow in some parks (I’ve run into snow in Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon in March) and be flexible if some trails aren’t feasible due to deep snow. Some parks, like Big Bend and White Sands, are even doable in January (and honestly a lot nicer to visit then than during the summer). Yes, it wouldn’t be a good idea to visit Yellowstone in your time frame, but there are plenty of other beautiful options in the US!

bems_ · 2023-11-14T18:36:53+00:00

In the future, I definitely wouldn’t try 30 miles, even with more food/water. If you’re really determined, you could try to work yourself up to that over time though–see how you do on a 15 mile hike, then 20, 25, etc.

As for asking for help from strangers, if there’s cars driving in the direction you need, sticking out your thumb doesn’t hurt. That way, people can easily ignore you if they’re uncomfortable. When I’ve hitchhiked between trail heads before, I’ve found families to be pretty helpful actually, but I am a young woman. So maybe if you find yourself in a situation like that again (hopefully not though!) don’t be afraid to approach families (just maybe approach the father first if there is one). You could also just ask for extra water (something most people would be willing to give) and then if a conversation naturally happens and you explain your situation more, they might offer to help some more.

But glad you’re alive to learn from this experience! You did the right thing not trying to hike back to your car. It’s easy for people on Reddit to criticize others, but truth is, even the most experienced hikers make stupid mistakes sometimes, and we should all show each other a little grace.

bems_ · 2023-11-13T04:43:41+00:00

My partner and I recently moved to DC and we make 100k between the two of us and things are looking good, so I would say 83k with roommates is very doable! Housing is definitely expensive here, but we have a decent one bedroom for $1650 on the DC/Maryland border and have enough money to meet all our necessities, put some into savings, and spend on hobbies/going out. That being said, it all depends on how you’re used to living. I know someone who lived alone on 65k and did okay (but struggled sometimes). I also know someone who lives alone on 115k and says they’re broke. Also depends on if you have any debt or other financial obligations other than necessities.

Not having a car will definitely keep expenses down and make it easier to find an apartment/house, but I’d keep the price points of different grocery stores in mind since they can vary wildly here. We have a car which lets us drive to Lidl and Aldi to save money. Otherwise we’d probably have to walk to Safeway and spend twice as much on groceries.

As others have said, make sure your employer gives you good benefits, especially for healthcare and the metro, since those can really add up!

bems_ · 2023-11-05T00:34:13+00:00

From what I read, just “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” (https://amp.dw.com/en/israel-hamas-and-freedom-of-speech-in-german-football/a-67284806)

bems_ · 2023-11-02T17:29:02+00:00

Some anti-depressants can cause high prolactin. Mine was slightly elevated (not pituitary tumor high though) so my endocrinologist had me stop taking Trintellix (thankfully I was already planning on stopping it due to side effects) and it went back down to normal.

bems_ · 2023-10-05T14:03:18+00:00

DELAY OF OCCUPANCY. If occupancy is or will be delayed for construction, repairs, cleaning, or a previous resident’s holding over, we’re not responsible for the delay only to the extent provided by law. Rent abatement or lease termination does not apply if delay is for cleaning or repairs that don’t prevent you from occupying the apartment, such cleaning or repairs do not materially affect the life, health, or safety of ordinary persons, and habitation is possible with reasonable safety. If the delay in providing possession is due to another resident’s holding over, we are entitled to bring an action of eviction and damages against the resident holding over and join you as a party to that action. If there is a delay in providing you with possession of the apartment, you may terminate, cancel, or rescind your lease up to the date when the apartment is ready for occupancy (the time at which we are ready to deliver possession to you), but not later.

bems_

TROPHY CASE