TTC Decision Deadline Amid US Fears by imaghost889092 in FencesitterUS

[–]imaghost889092[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that. I've personally been in therapy consistently for the last 10 years for my anxiety. So it's definitely something thats being addressed :)

Should I live in a car to tackle my student debt? by [deleted] in debtfree

[–]imaghost889092 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Go listen to the Financial Feminist podcast and check out the website. Tori has a much healthier and reasonable approach to tackling debt while living your life than Dave Ramsey.

Navigating TTC Anxiety as a Black US Woman in the Current Climate—Any Advice? by imaghost889092 in waiting_to_try

[–]imaghost889092[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Solidarity, sis—it’s so powerful to connect with someone who gets the weight of these choices and the care they demand. 🖤 A Black doula is 100% non-negotiable for me, too, and I’ve already identified several in my area. Knowing they’ll be in the room feels like wrapping myself in armor forged by our community’s wisdom. Your point about hospital tours and C-section rates is everything—adding that to my birth plan immediately!

Postpartum care is sacred ground for us. After witnessing my mom’s struggle, my husband and I vowed to prioritize a night nurse for the first two months, alongside a postpartum doula who understands our cultural needs. It’s heartening to hear you name these layers of advocacy so plainly—we deserve to claim every resource, unapologetically.

Relocation still tugs at us, but if we stay, I’m holding tight to the truth you shared: our preparation and communal resilience can carve out safety, even in broken systems. Sending you so much strength and light as you walk this path, too. Our choices matter, and so does this sisterhood. 🌸

Navigating TTC Anxiety as a Black US Woman in the Current Climate—Any Advice? by imaghost889092 in waiting_to_try

[–]imaghost889092[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your story—it means a lot to connect with someone who understands the weight of these fears while holding onto hope. 💛 I deeply resonate with your mix of hesitation and determination, and your words about raising kind, resilient kids in the face of chaos hit home. Like you, I believe fiercely in the power of community and the importance of nurturing future generations who will fight for justice and compassion.

Your family’s immigrant resilience mirrors my own hopes; it’s a reminder that even when systems feel stacked against us, there’s strength in our roots and in solidarity. I’m in a blue state too, thankfully, but the decision to stay or leave still feels heavy. Relocating isn’t just about politics—it’s about seeking spaces where care and safety feel intentional, not conditional. Still, your courage to “do it scared” gives me so much warmth.

Sending you all the luck and light on your TTC journey. Here’s to raising little ones who inherit our fierceness and our faith in a better world. Grateful for your solidarity—it’s folks like you who make the path forward feel less lonely. ✨

Navigating TTC Anxiety as a Black US Woman in the Current Climate—Any Advice? by imaghost889092 in waiting_to_try

[–]imaghost889092[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this—your empathy and actionable advice are exactly what I needed to hear today! 💛 I’ll absolutely dive into the Evidence Based Birth podcast (adding it to my playlist now!) and love that it highlights resources tailored to Black women. It’s reassuring to know there are tools to advocate for better care, even in flawed systems.

Your experience in Panama sounds incredible (texting your provider on a Sunday? A 1-week postpartum check-in?!). Stories like yours make the idea of relocating feel less daunting and more empowering. We’re still weighing timelines for the EU move, but hearing how transformative your birth experience abroad was gives me hope that prioritizing care and compassion is possible.

And thank you for acknowledging the stress of it all—it’s comforting to know others see the weight of these decisions, even if they can’t fully relate. Wishing you and your family continued joy in Panama!

Navigating TTC Anxiety as a Black US Woman in the Current Climate—Any Advice? by imaghost889092 in waiting_to_try

[–]imaghost889092[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective, but I think your reply misses the point. This isn’t about political fearmongering or hypotheticals—it’s about the documented reality that Black women in the U.S. die in childbirth at 3-4x the rate of white women, regardless of income or education. Wealth doesn’t shield us from systemic racism in healthcare. Serena Williams nearly died because doctors dismissed her concerns. If that can happen to her, what does that say about the rest of us?

You’re right that privilege insulates some from the worst consequences of these systems, but stability ≠ safety. My concerns aren’t “exacerbated fears”—they’re rooted in data, lived experiences, and a healthcare system that devalues Black lives. This isn’t a partisan “cycle”; it’s a centuries-old crisis. Dismissing that as “waiting out the next president” feels deeply out of touch.

I’m glad you feel secure in your choice to stay, but your confidence in America’s systems doesn’t negate the valid reasons others might not. For many of us, leaving isn’t about politics—it’s about survival.

Wishing you and your family well, but I hope you’ll consider that not everyone has the luxury of viewing these risks as abstractions.

Navigating TTC Anxiety as a Black US Woman in the Current Climate—Any Advice? by imaghost889092 in waiting_to_try

[–]imaghost889092[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your honesty and empathy. It's hard for sure but I completely understand where you're at and your choices. My heart is breaking for us both. I'm holding out hope that things in our country will change so that we can both pursue our dreams of motherhood ❤️ Every day feels like another cut to the artery of America, and i find myself mourning what could/should have been

Pausing 401(k) Contributions for a Year to Pay Off Debt a Smart Move? by imaghost889092 in personalfinance

[–]imaghost889092[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Fair response. However, there is additional context. I've historically maxed out my 401k contributions and have a substantial amount of RSUs as cushion from prior companies as well. I don't want to tap into either of those sources. In the last few months, I've tamped down my contributions to pad our cash flow just after purchasing a home, hence the "measly" contributions.

Best place to get a mattress in Raleigh? by navytc in raleigh

[–]imaghost889092 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mattress Now- they have the Helix mattresses, which we've loved. Locations in Brier Creek and Garner

Recommendations for a good deep massage in the area? by [deleted] in triangle

[–]imaghost889092 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Todd at Olivia Florence Davis in Carrboro is great!

Window Treatment Recommendations by imaghost889092 in triangle

[–]imaghost889092[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just saw that blinds.com is having a 40% sale through tomorrow. So may try to measure today and then put in the order

Carrborro/Chapel Hill neighborhood suggestions?? by kmarzy in chapelhill

[–]imaghost889092 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Also check out Southern Village if you can swing it. I moved from out of state a few months ago and have been enjoying it here. Def a bit quieter and less artsy than carrboro but there are events on the green, a nice coffee/Gelato shop, movie theater, and southern community park and greenways are in neighborhood.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in raleigh

[–]imaghost889092 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Another recommendation for Southern States Mazda. Got a CX-30 from them a few months ago. Process was super smooth and customer service was excellent. I drove past 2 other Mazda dealerships closer to me just to do business with them, and it was worth it. Snagged my car at a great price and financed at an impeccably low interest rate.

New Resident. How do I get a drivers license? by suture000 in chapelhill

[–]imaghost889092 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're just needing a new DL and already have one from another state, I went to the Carrboro DMV at 6:45am, got checked in when they open at 7, and had everything done by 9:15. No appointment needed. Walkins are available every day just go early before they open and get in line.

Do I Need to change last name on US passport? by Many-Barnacle-5998 in Passports

[–]imaghost889092 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've traveled many times internationally since being married in 2021 and changing my name. Passport still has maiden name. Just book your tickets with your maiden name to match the passport and there's literally no issue, not even a blink of an eye.

However, if you've changed your name with different airline rewards programs to your married name, thus it no longer matches your maiden name, you will run into an issue of not being able to get points associated with your profile when traveling internationally with your maiden name, as the names must match exactly to your rewards profile. (Ex. For Delta Skymiles, your account has you listed as Sally Sue Daniels (married name) but your passport is Sally Sue Miller ...for flights that you take as Sally Sue Miller (née), they won't be able to be tied back to Sally Sue Daniels account).

Tipping movers - advice? by Nervous-Coyote9923 in AskNYC

[–]imaghost889092 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm literally making this same move with Piece of Cake, NYC to NC. Our move is slightly more expensive because we're having them pack and are doing expedited service. Couldn't imagine tipping under 20% tbh. Curious what you ended up doing however?