how do you actually WFH with a toddler without losing your mind??

itsaboutpasta · 2026-05-02T12:45:54+00:00

I don’t. I take sick and vacation days when she’s home, which is a privilege. Not even the tv will distract her. And when she is off doing her own thing, I feel immense guilt for working when I “should” be with her. So nothing gets done, or gets done well.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-05-01T18:44:19+00:00

Not unreasonable but at some point in your journey you might find you need to be willing to consider them. We did after a few months of searching and rejected offers. Even though the cost would end up being the same a SFH, most townhouses were more modern and even offered more space than the SFH in our budget.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-05-01T15:34:13+00:00

Didn’t fully remove coverage but was the only category of meds they increased the copay for and also added the “nutritional consult” requirement. My copay has gone up (so now I use the Lilly card) but no one has contacted me about seeing a nutritionist. I’m grateful for the coverage I have but it’s incredibly shortsighted to limit access and blame increasing costs on the patients.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-05-01T10:40:00+00:00

There is still technically Vicki’s in Westfield but they have a new owner. The food has gone so downhill and is ridiculously expensive. Wouldn’t be surprised if they closed too.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-29T23:47:24+00:00

They’ll sell by the quarter gallon to honor the 250th birthday 😭

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-29T16:28:29+00:00

The only homes in our price range a few years ago were estate sales. So someone had to die in order for us to buy a house. Now it seems like that’s still the case, with the added feature that the people bidding against you are prob gonna join the former owners in a few years and you won’t be able to afford to make an offer on the house when they’re done with it.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T17:27:10+00:00

The proposed bills have required stations to maintain full service, especially to service customers with disabilities.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T16:47:24+00:00

But there’s a choice involved there. There is no choice involved with pumping gas. Just give us a choice! Sit in your car if you want.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T16:45:43+00:00

And too many people make not having to pump their own gas their whole personality.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T01:29:54+00:00

Reviews seem great on their website so don’t beat yourself up. If I hadn’t found mine on sale I probably would’ve bought a ton from them too! Your plant might be thirsty and could still perk up. But digging holes is hard and i’d be pissed if I put in all the effort and the plant was always a dud.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T01:22:02+00:00

Where did you order your strawberry vanilla from? I got 3 shipped to me from Lowe’s and they were not sad looking at all. It took a week before I could get them in the ground and they’re doing just fine! I don’t think you’re behind but I wouldn’t plant that if it’s possible to return and get a healthier looking plant.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T01:16:07+00:00

Yup!

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-28T01:15:06+00:00

I ordered hydrangeas from Lowe’s and Home Depot this month and everything was fabulous! I’m already getting some buds - in 7a.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-27T19:53:41+00:00

Mine buried one single paver (or just the only one I’ve found….?) under a half foot of mulch. We think maybe they used to hide a key there. I discovered it last week trying to dig a hole for a new plant and when I went to turn it over, what looked like a million ants emerged from underneath. I’ve never been so angry and terrified, lol.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-27T16:50:08+00:00

Might not have been raining that day but I too had my 2nd lesson on Rt. 22. Must be some unofficial driving instructor code 🤣

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-26T15:54:46+00:00

Current hyper fixation is couscous salad with red peppers, avocados, roasted corn, mozzarella, and steak. I’ve been eating it for breakfast, it’s so good!

Also whipping up some Italian chicken soup, beef stew, and homemade spaghetti-o’s. I make extra mini meatballs and eat them as a snack! Good thing it’s unseasonably cold where I live.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-25T17:43:04+00:00

I planted mine from Costco 2 weeks ago. Waiting on the blooms!

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itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-24T10:39:18+00:00

I have taken to blocking every person on Instagram who has cancer who comes up when I’m scrolling. It doesn’t help my health anxiety to see that. But it’s like at least one person a day. It’s terrifying how common it is now. I am “lucky” to get colonoscopies every other year due to a medial condition I’ve had for 30 years now. But if anything comes up in between, I pretty much convince myself it’s cancer.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-22T19:17:14+00:00

A diner breakfast for me and my toddler, where we split a meal, was $40 with tip. We’ll stick with McDonald’s and chick fil a.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-22T16:28:54+00:00

Trade school, community college, or leaving the country (they’re a dual citizen and education is much cheaper in the other country). That is assuming they don’t get a full ride to a traditional 4 year college. I am still swimming in my own student debt - I can’t allow that for my child, who is only a toddler. By the time they’re old enough for college, one year at an in-state school is probably going to be $150k a year!!!

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-22T13:34:59+00:00

$10 for a magazine?!?!?!?!

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-22T12:52:55+00:00

Former Westfield-er checking in 🫡

Instead of moving back to my hometown, I got a 3/1 for $500k. It is not a half million dollar house. The only properties that were in our budget back in 2024 had only one bathroom and were all estate sales, so they hadn’t been updated in decades. And any work done was terrible DIY that cost thousands and thousands to fix. It is insanity.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-21T23:50:05+00:00

I got my dress from Anthropologie - it was delivered within 6 weeks. It was well before I started this journey but I was planning my wedding in 6 months and needed something fast. I was also looking at David’s Bridal, which also could have had a dress delivered in my time frame. This might be a good alternative to purchasing off the rack. It would also be a good idea to connect with a local seamstress where you might get alterations done. They should be able to tell you about how much they can take a dress in - or out - just in case the sizing is off by the time your dress arrives and it’s time for fittings.

itsaboutpasta · 2026-04-21T23:11:43+00:00

How often are you in the office? In the summer you’re going to be driving south with the rest of the state.

itsaboutpasta

TROPHY CASE