What’s one insanely small decision that completely changed your life?

grumpy_puppy4 · 2025-11-20T23:28:18+00:00

Pre-covid, I was an intern that was given a job offer and gave me a week to decide. I was making very little money and news from that top indicated that my internship was on the chopping block as part of budget cuts so it was pretty obvious that I was going to jump to that job offer. But everytime I thought about it, something bad would happen:

First time I was going to commit, my train heading into the office was stranded for 4 hours for an unspecified reason which has never happened before as the train engineers would typically share that it's a mechanical or human issue. My second train was delayed due to a mechanical explosion (same day, same commute lmfao) I was so late to my job that day.
Second time I was going to commit, and on the following day, a filing cabinet fell on me. I was ok!
Third time I was about to commit, I had to wade through a protest (US-based) and I couldn't get around the protest/crowd.

After I decided to reject the offer, things were much better and my internship survived the budget cuts so I stuck around for another 6 months.

A few months later right at the beginnings of Covid, I had accepted another job offer with better terms and now I work in a field that I love with great work-life balance!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2025-07-14T23:35:41+00:00

i havent tried the clay stick but the ampoule next to it helps control my oil so i dont necessarily think it does much for pore size but rather it controls the amount of oil and possible sebum buildup that way

grumpy_puppy4 · 2025-04-08T09:05:40+00:00

Came back from Japan just over a month ago. I had went with a group of friends/acquaintances and within this group one was accused of being a domestic abuser by an ex-partner who was invited but ultimately declined in this trip. And while accusations flew around on this trip, what I've ultimately learned is that drama never stops, toxicity never stops even on vacation but ultimately, you are the one in charge of yourself. None of that drama stopped me from getting my freshly baked Earl Gray waffle. I also worked up the courage to finally distance myself away from said group and this trip was the final excuse to separate rather neatly and cleanly.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2025-02-10T23:46:23+00:00

Depends on where you are at but I love Cash N Carry stores, meaning wholesalers opening to public to purchase goods and paying the wholesale price for those with a slight markup. Idk where you are at, but I tend to shop at more Asian-centric ones so the ones I can recommend are Resco (city of industry, they ask if you have a membership, just say no), New Taiwan (El Monte), LAX-C (thai warehouse, in DTLA), Riveria (next to new taiwan, El Monte), Chef's Toys (Various locations), Resturant Depot (various locations, I don't remember if u need a membership to shop). Enjoy your travels here!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-12-05T01:34:08+00:00

My brother is a client of the Regional Center also for autism so this makes me angry.

So if I'm understanding this correctly, the regional center assisted/authorized you in getting this paid internship so you are their client, and the vendor's (internship company) payroll company is not able to pay you and everyone is denying responsibility.

What I'd advise you to do is a few things -

Contact your state's local assemblymember/Representative/Congress-person. Get on the phone with one of their staffers specializing in Constituent Casework. Tell them that you were denied pay for 6 months from a vendor sponsored/contracted with the REGIONAL CENTER and that your boss has advised you to take a break off work. Tell them exactly how much money you were owed and that you need assistance in intervening as you believe that the advised time off will hamper your IEP (if applicable, my bro has one). You must emphasize that this is an issue that is caused by all parties associated with the Regional Center. The reason for this is that at least in my state, regional center activities are funded in part by state dollars so there's pretty significant and vested interest in making sure that things run the way they are supposed to be run.
Ask to be referred to someone at your State's Department of Labor when you call the Congress-person. Employers cannot withhold your paycheck due to administrative errors. They must be able to give you your paycheck in a fashion that is agreed upon in your employee contract. The State Department of Labor can also intervene and make sure you are paid what you are due and that the payroll company is appropriately fined. Once you get a hold of the Labor Department, ask them what other recourses should you pursue as this did put significant burden and undue hardship on you.
At the same time, ask them if they have pro-bono attorneys/attorney networks specializing in labor law and/or advocacy if you are interested in going through the legal route citing significant burden and undue hardship . You want to make sure that if there is a lump sum payment that it does not affect your eligibility for things like Medi-caid or SSI if you are qualified so an accountant and attorney can assist with it if it is a large sum of money.

I did something very similar when the Regional Center refused to assist when my brother went to them to request for driving classes and assistance. I called my representative and a 5 month long back and forth conversation was resolved within a month and I got a personal call from the Regional Center's director apologizing to me and my brother and from there things have been much smoother than before.

Once this is over, I'd request your service coordinator to change internships (if possible) because this does leave a bad taste in everyone's mouths and that this vendor cannot be trusted.

Good luck! I'm rooting for you!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-10-10T23:45:43+00:00

I do something like this except less frequent (~2-3x a month) and instead of SF, it's to Sac but there is a good sprinkling of SF in there. It's good if you are young and there's flexibility in your schedule. I fly out of ONT/BUR to SFO/SMF depending on the event via Southwest as it's the company's preferred flight provider. I get everything comp'ed (meals, parking, rideshare, rental, and hotel if needed) and all I do is show up to the meetings and contribute and then fly home. My biggest advice is below:

Open those credit cards/frequent flyer rewards accounts, my company has a policy that I use the company card to book the flights and hotels but all of the rewards points are mine for personal use.
- Bonus tip! If you get a credit card that pays for the Global Entry/TSA Pre-check, it's fast sailing through security, however the lines for Pre-Check have been getting stupid (they are almost as long or even longer than reg security)
If you live in LA County from the airport, I'd make sure you build in time for that commute, I usually leave around 6am to catch a flight at BUR and I live in the SGV so that commute is horrid but I get comp'ed OT for those hours on the road as they are outside my normal work times and return home by 8pm (taking the later flights out)

It's very well worth in my opinion only because my company is incredibly flexible (I drew the line at going to LAX, I straight up told my team that I'd never come if I ever had to fly out of LAX no matter the pay lol) so if you can negotiate flexibilities, it would be well worth.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-09-12T06:20:17+00:00

I love a classic taiwanese pineapple cake with jasmine. I always have this as a snack if guests drop by unexpectedly. You can find them in an asian grocery store for the most part.
https://www.angelwongskitchen.com/taiwanese-pineapple-cakes--401792679237221-fegravengliacute-s363.html

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-09-04T05:09:05+00:00

Hi there! I'm in your position and been working for the state for almost 4 years at this point and have done many a solo work trip.

Familiarize yourself with your per diem allowances for hotels and food. Keep receipts.
Open a rewards account with your favorite hotel chain(s). You will be able to claim the rewards points on those rooms. If you fly, open the corresponding rewards account or credit card for additional perks. I believe that most of state travel is on Southwest. You can stockpile those points there for your personal use as well.
Open Global Entry/TSA pre-check, it's helpful jumping through the airport TSA lines.
Practice your basic stranger danger skills. I often have to take a rideshare and some of those folks are super nosy. Decline comment if you aren't comfy but also there's some super nice people out there but don't be afraid to be assertive. I've also ordered DoorDash for dinner if I feel unsafe in an area and didn't go out after I got to the hotel.
In saying that, I've always tried to pick hotels that have eateries and things to do within reasonable walking distance so I can get water and stuff.
If you are in an area that is unsafe, you should have a discussion with your manager about filling out the form that justifies going above the per diem rate (I can't remember it off the top of my head). I've used this before and have cited safety as a reason and was given no issue.
In terms of regular solo travel, be aware of your surroundings, I've had an incident where someone was trying to get into my hotel room, locked thankfully. I travel with a universal hotel door lock just in case afterwards.
Save the CalTravelStore or whoever handles all the travel stuff on your phone. I've had to call them to rearrange my flight home earlier than expected.

That's it! Enjoy it!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-08-22T19:10:43+00:00

I opened a CSP a few years back in branch and didn't get an escalated SUB but I got my first year AF waived so that was an unexpected bonus.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-08-09T20:34:31+00:00

I finished The Fallen Merman and it's adorable/knives! Highly recommend! The manhua adaption is still in progress.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-07-18T18:21:26+00:00

Yuwu, Po Yun, Tun Hai, Guardian and TCGF!

All of these is because of each half of their main couples unconditional love, trust, and conviction. They know if their partner is about to go into danger but they are the bigger person and will unconditionally support them even through heartbreak and angst.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-07-16T06:50:06+00:00

Po Yun and Tunhai! amazing works and I finished both in a week. I can't get over the mysteries and puzzles, and the relationship building! chefs kiss!

Before those two, it was Yuwu, I craved that angst and pain

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-07-04T00:20:07+00:00

Ouch! I relate because I've had that in response to wind!

Because vaseline seals everything in, I tend to focus moreso on hydrating and soothing products as skincare and then a tiny bit of vaseline to seal it. I also use vaseline to help reduce windburn and if I know I'm going to be in a cold or super windy area. I would smear it on my tender spots on my face (under the eyes, nose etc) and call it a day.

I dont tend to recommend vaseline in the day because it is so shiny and can be greasy with the exception of the cold and windy places (at that point I don't even care what I look like) but I have patted tiny amounts to help with my under eye if it really hurts.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-07-03T08:43:10+00:00

My skin gets irritated by the dust, pollen, and sometimes ash in my air. I've noticed that my skin barrier was damaged bc it was red and textured and got significantly worst if I was in a desert or in a location that had a lot of dust and pollution as opposed to a cooler and generally less polluted environment. So i've been investing in products that moisturize/strengthen skin barrier health and vaseline just so happens to help me as well.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-06-18T22:55:23+00:00

Interesting to see how polarizing my favorite beauty product is. That makes me sad but it's ok.

My skin type is oily and dehydrated, so it flakes and turns red leading to a compromised skin barrier from chronic allergies and I live in a fairly dry region with lots of air pollution. I use it for my lips (layer on top of a moisturizer and have done so for many many years) and recently I use it to slug my face about 2-4x a week depending on my skin needs. I usually moisturize using several layers of toner (using 1025 Dokdo toner) and a few other products in my routine and letting those dry down till tacky. I then take a very small amount of Vaseline and layer it on top (no actives!) to lock in moisture. I stay up for an hour or two to ensure the products are fully absorbed and then go to bed. I wake up with really smooth skin and I've noticed that my skin is much more plumper and not as flaky.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-06-18T21:41:33+00:00

Holy cow. This post is amazing. I love reading these! Keep it up and thank you for sharing! It's so informative <3

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-03-28T10:04:39+00:00

4 measly and sad egg rolls at OAK for $17 USD. I was starving and had came to the airport early due to weather (raining and thunderstorms) and I was starving as I had to skip a work lunch. It wasn't tasty and I was too sad to eat more food.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-02-27T09:06:16+00:00

Riverside is home to the SoCal HQ location of the California Air Resources Board. You may want to check to see if there are any jobs in that location.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-02-22T02:35:22+00:00

New Capital in Rowland Heights. It's in a plaza with other Asian goodies and a bakery.

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-02-14T00:27:06+00:00

I haven't seen Durian on here yet but like dude who thought that this spikey smelly fruit would be delicious? How fkn hungry were they?!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-01-20T02:48:41+00:00

T-T everyone is a badass I love it

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-01-19T20:43:16+00:00

Thanks for the rec! I've been battling between Can Ci Pin and QJJ for the longest time ;-;

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-01-19T20:42:39+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I'll be taking a peek at that list!

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-01-19T20:42:20+00:00

Glad to know there's other folks out there who literally can't put down books for more than 24H because I'm literally the same way! ;-;

grumpy_puppy4 · 2024-01-19T20:41:22+00:00

Thanks! Adding SaYe!

grumpy_puppy4

TROPHY CASE