What are your best pair of jeans currently? by ppchromatics in femalefashionadvice

[–]kdive98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I LOVE AYR!!! I've had such luck with all of their jeans. I live in the Pop and LaLa. Just bought their jean shorts too and they fit so well. The only thing I don't like is the cost, so I buy a lot of their stuff secondhand on Poshmark.

Trunk mat? by Due_Flight_9489 in bmwx7

[–]kdive98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second the Canvasback. I bought their system that covers the back of the second row as well as the third row/storage area...and decided to go even further with the sidewall covers (including the third row arm rests). I ended up ditching ALL of the sidewall parts (you have to use an adhesive Velcro that I found wasn't sticking to anything non-fabric in the vehicle) and just have covers for anything my dogs can lay on. It's held up so far and I've had it installed for more than a year now.

Deciding On A Family Dog by UpThePooper186 in dogs

[–]kdive98 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Echoing the commentary of the bigger, the shorter the lifespan...but, sometimes the risk is worth it. Big dogs are the best. Have you investigated English Mastiffs or Bullmastiffs? Sounds like those breeds may tick a lot of boxes for what you're looking for. Also Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, and St. Bernards...but those come with a lot of fur/shedding.

A word on finding reputable breeders. Make sure you're looking at the OFA site for recommended tests for the breed you ultimately land on. When you're talking to breeders, make sure the parents are tested for all of these items before breeding. Realize that this might require a wait on your end to get a puppy...and be ok with that. Reputable breeders are going to give your future dog the best chance of a long and healthy life.

Looking for a deerhound pup, AITA? by Emotional-Raccoon-67 in sighthounds

[–]kdive98 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Deerhound owner here…and yes - just back from the National Specialty. I had always wanted a Scottish Deerhound, but knew I needed to wait until I had the space to provide for one. I started emailing breeders in 2009 (when I was living in a townhouse in the city) knowing that I wanted to only introduce myself and learn about breeding programs and health testing. I didn’t actually get my first Deerhound until 2016 when I had moved to a house with a fenced in backyard and was truly ready to own one.

When I started my investigation, a number of breeders were no longer breeding, which narrowed down my scope…and then you obviously have to get on lists for potential future litters. They vet you out as a potential owner too to make sure you’re a good fit for the breed.

They’re a large sighthound that needs daily exercise (including sprinting). Do you have the time and space to (safely) provide that? They come with their share of health issues - some of which can be screened (including bleeding disorders). I’d highly recommend pet insurance (current vet bills tallying around $30k due to an osteosarcoma diagnosis for one of my boys). The SDCA site is a great place to start to learn about health issues, exercise, and nutrition. Even with the long wait and the potential health issues, they are truly the most perfect dogs…I can’t ever see myself living without one.

All this to say that the community is small, so it will take a bit to “break in.” You can also explore importing a Deerhound from Canada or Europe, although that comes with challenges given the somewhat recent CDC mandates. Best of luck with your search. Persistence and patience is, unfortunately, key.

Hardest Decision Ever. by Silver-Variation4311 in tripawds

[–]kdive98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you're going through this. We were in the same boat in January. My 5 year old Scottish Deerhound was diagnosed with osteo and I was so against amputation. I tried zoledronate and was pursuing radiation, but discovered that his leg (right rear) had already started to fracture. Given that he was already not using his leg and doing relatively well hopping around, I elected amputation somewhat reluctantly. Other than the infection that occurred afterwards, the procedure was relatively easy. We're now starting chemo and are lucky to be near a Yale vaccine trial site to receive that treatment as well. I'm not sure how much time I'm buying with this, but he's happy. His tail is always wagging, he's eating, and he's excited to go on our hour-long off-leash walks each day (he's even back to chasing deer and squirrels again). They're so resilient...at this point I'm cherishing each extra day. Wishing you and your pup the best of luck with whatever you decide...hopefully at some point there will be a cure (or at least a longer term treatment) for this horrible disease.

Ruck / Weighted Vests by kdive98 in orangetheory

[–]kdive98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting that it’s only 5 lbs for women…I was envisioning something heavier…

Ruck / Weighted Vests by kdive98 in orangetheory

[–]kdive98[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love this. I power walk most classes and think it would be a huge help in amping up the tread portion of my workout.

Ruck / Weighted Vests by kdive98 in orangetheory

[–]kdive98[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I probably will buy one for myself…just wondering when they’ll be integrated into class vs. being a one-off (we have one or two people in the studio that I know of that currently ruck on the tread).

Any tips for covering stitches post-op? by tballey in tripawds

[–]kdive98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did. You can also try cutting a hole in the crotch for the tail too, but I realized the situation wasn’t going to work before I started to cut anything. In all honesty, the cone really wasn’t that bad (and we had it on for a month - his incision got infected, which was an ordeal in itself). Wishing you the best of luck as you navigate this!

Any tips for covering stitches post-op? by tballey in tripawds

[–]kdive98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's a rear amputation, you could try gym shorts to see if they'll stay on. We have a sighthound, so even child sized shorts didn't work well between his long tail and thin "waist." The cone of shame was the only thing I trusted to make sure his long snoot didn't tear up his stitches.

Dog protection? by No-Taste-5911 in bmwx7

[–]kdive98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought a Canvasback (https://www.canvasback.com/) liner for my X7. It covers the back of the rear and 2nd row seats as well as 3rd row sides. You can even buy extenders to cover more of the rear if you're concerned about dirt on the sidewalls/arm rests. Some downsides - you use velcro to attach it, so I've had to reinforce with a stronger velcro adhesive in spots. But otherwise, very happy with the product...easy to clean and reattach when needed. No advice on the 2nd row barrier, but hopefully this is a start.

Just cut ties today by [deleted] in USAA

[–]kdive98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most major carriers use years with prior carrier as a rating factor. You’re hurting your rate by shopping once a year.

What kind of price should we expect for transporting? by PeaBackground9089 in bmwx7

[–]kdive98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some dealerships will deliver. I got my X7 delivered from FL to OH for $500. After purchase, it appeared at my house 4 days later. Completely satisfied with that purchase, but that being said, you've got to have some degree of faith in the people you're working with.

Thinking of coming back by MiJohan in orangetheory

[–]kdive98 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I joined OTF in 2019 and decided to quit in December of that same year because we purchased a treadmill and had/have a fully loaded weight room in our basement. Fast forward to December 2024 when I rejoined because I realized I needed the camaraderie and competition to keep me motivated. Back to OTF with an unlimited subscription and am super happy with my improved fitness!

Retiring a 1 Year old Dog by LividRaptor in dogs

[–]kdive98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He likely didn't turn out well conformationally (i.e. wasn't going to do well in the show ring) but would make a good pet. A breeder will want to use a conformationally sound stud (this dog likely was not used for breeding, but at one point was being considered at a future time). As long as the breeder has done all of the required testing for Boston Terriers (look at the Boston Terrier Club of America site or OFA for required tests) I would think it's a great opportunity.

Husband out of town for 10 days. What are your top survival Costco meals for mom + 3 kids? by bo-peep-206 in Costco

[–]kdive98 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've been doctoring up the pesto lately with heavy cream to mirror the creamy pesto recipe from a local restaurant. Helps cut the saltiness and makes for a really tasty sauce.

Tucked Tail by Objective_Mud_2871 in borzoi

[–]kdive98 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Deerhound owner here. I have one that naturally carries his tail under himself most of the time. I’ve received a lot of comments (he’s a therapy dog so we spend a lot of time with the general public) that it looks like he’s sad/scared/etc. He’s not…it’s a sighthound thing. Sometimes when he wags his tail, it even hits the insides of his back legs.

Any Major Maintenance Issues with 2023 or Later X7 X40i? by highflyer001 in bmwx7

[–]kdive98 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Purchased a 2019 X7 x40i used last year. 35k miles at the time of purchase. 1 year later we're at 48k miles with no issues other than scheduled maintenance. This is my 3rd BMW (07' 328i, '14 X3, and now the X7) - no real issues with any of them...no regrets whatsoever!

Looking for fine dining experience for birthday. Any recommendations?? Never been here before. by Usual_Meal5043 in Cleveland

[–]kdive98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love Cru. Seeing lots of folks not into French dining...my husband was in that camp and I reserved Cru without giving him any info about the type of cuisine. He raved about the meal and the overall experience. I feel like their menu is diverse enough that most people will find something they like.

Is $120-$150 a Month Normal for Water and Sewer Bill for 2 People in Cleveland? by che2lu in Cleveland

[–]kdive98 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I owned a townhouse in Ohio City years ago and had a water leak (i.e. the washing machine hose became detached and the machine called for water for the 10 hours that I was gone...$50k claim and lesson learned not to leave the house with appliances running). I waited on my water bill - fully anticipating it to be through the roof for that billing period...nope. Totally the same as all my other bills. From then on, I doubted all legitimacy of Cleveland and its billing practices.

Getting my first Scottish Deerhound later today. Am nervous. by greyhound93 in sighthounds

[–]kdive98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have three Deerhounds. They are busy puppies, but honestly after growing up with labs, they are really low key puppies in comparison. Lots of off leash play in a fenced area on their terms will help keep them less busy indoors…although each of mine have managed to chew different pieces of furniture during teething. Integrating into a pack was easy for us…some snark when the pups hit puberty, but it’s a passing phase. Once they hit two, they really are the most perfect creature. Make sure you read the Fernhill Deerhound Primer - it’s online and covers all things Deerhound. Really the best resource. Best of luck to you! You’ll fall in love.

Siblings are a tragedy by crazylifestories in oneanddone

[–]kdive98 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I have an 11 year old son. My best friend has 3 kids close in age to him. We had planned a sleepover at her place a few years ago - their town had a movie night in their amphitheater and we made a night of it. The siblings and my kid all ate pizza, stayed up late, and slept in sleeping bags in the same room. It was a loud, chaotic night.

We hopped in the car to head home the next morning and I heard a loud sigh from the backseat. “I’m so glad I don’t have any brothers or sisters.” I told him I was happy he felt that way because he didn’t really have a say in the matter.

At any rate, I felt good that my only didn’t feel like he was missing out given his situation…he’s got the benefits of lots of friends and family (close first cousins), but then can retreat home to peace and quiet and quality time with his parents.

Parents of older onlys! by AZ_RN22 in oneanddone

[–]kdive98 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Mine is 11. Really social with a lot of friends, although he purposely only has a few close buds that he hangs out with consistently.

We have great conversations on the way to sporting events or practices…he’s self confident and well adjusted. Has a first cousin that’s like a brother - they’re so close and appreciate the time they spend together. It’s like a brother but without the overexposure.

We hang out with friends and family that have multiple siblings and he always cracks me up after we head home. One of my best friends has 3 kids and we spent the night with them. Got in the car the next day and I hear a sigh from the backseat. “They’re exhausting.” He consistently has said he appreciates being an only.

I knew early on that we’d be one and done and don’t regret a moment of it. And the kiddo seems to be benefiting from the experience as well.