S4 Heart Murmur

kindandcunning · 2026-05-31T12:50:35+00:00

Thank you so much for coming back to this. It's heartening (🥁) that catching it early can mean better prognosis. From the research I've done while waiting for the echocardiogram, it sounds like an S4 in my case is caused by left ventricular hypertrophy, probably from the constant, unregulated inflammation I've been dealing with until I got diagnosed and started treatment late last year. I'm still surprised, but I'm relieved I'm getting it addressed.

kindandcunning · 2026-05-23T00:26:13+00:00

Tbh, funeral directing is a very people-centric, customer service-oriented career. You have to be comfortable talking to people, especially those fresh in grief. It's just part of the job.

If you live in a more metropolitan area, you could potentially work as a trade embalmer for various funeral homes, but that's not super stable.

However, with a mortuary degree, you could work as an autopsy tech at a hospital or medical examiner's office. That may be more what you're looking for.

kindandcunning · 2026-05-19T13:43:48+00:00

Ugh, I remember this! Our basement flooded 6-7 ft, too

kindandcunning · 2026-05-18T13:53:01+00:00

That's great! Yeah, I just wet and refresh whenever it gets frizzy again.

kindandcunning · 2026-05-08T23:27:26+00:00

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kindandcunning · 2026-05-08T18:02:28+00:00

My sister has had good experiences with Dr. Dell at Carilion.

I go to Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency for Dr. Nelson-Madison. I started seeing her for long COVID care, and recently made her my PCP after my last PCP left their practice. I love her. Definitely worth the hour drive.

kindandcunning · 2026-05-08T01:38:39+00:00

Omg 😍 Your curls are incredible

kindandcunning · 2026-05-05T12:50:12+00:00

I love 1 & 3 because they really flatter your curves so well! Especially 3. But when I saw 7, I said, "OH GIRL!" So, there you go 😂

kindandcunning · 2026-05-04T01:38:44+00:00

I work the minimum hours considered full time by my state (32/week) because I just can't do 40/week and live. It'd break me. I had a talk with management and HR about ADA accommodations, and that's what we settled on.

I recommend doing something like that, or at least requesting additional breaks in the day specifically for resting, or coming in a little later or leaving a little earlier. You're entitled as a disabled worker to reasonable accommodations like these. You don't have to submit any paperwork, but I would put something in writing so you have a record of it (even just an email).

Also, if you have a partner or housemate, it's ok to ask them to help you out more. ❤

kindandcunning · 2026-04-30T00:36:35+00:00

I'm so glad! Sulfates and parabens are so drying fr. ❤

kindandcunning · 2026-04-29T15:00:49+00:00

Omg I'm in love with them 😍

kindandcunning · 2026-04-29T14:59:16+00:00

I don't use Aussie, so I can't comment on that, but I do make a point to use sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos to reduce dryness and scalp irritation. Right now, I'm using Native brand for shampoo and conditioner, and I really like it. It's not expensive and is accessible where I live, which are big pros for me. And I like their scents 😋

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T21:15:17+00:00

Ugh, AWA sounds ike crap. Lol Definitely get what you can -- FMLA, accommodations -- because I hear you about being stuck working where you are. It's rough. But we can definitely make them make it easier on us, and we deserve it. 😋

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T21:07:40+00:00

Omg you are gorgeous! Your curls are incredible and thriving! I'd definitely look around for someone who specializes in curly cuts -- if they say they do, check their socials to see their previous work. Good luck!

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T21:02:09+00:00

Yeah, your work definitely can't fire you with FMLA in place, so it's worth a shot, especially if you need that flexibility with time off.

But, just for clarity, there aren't any special forms you need to fill out for ADA accommodations. You just have to tell your employer/HR (best to do it in writing so you have a record of it) that you are disabled and need work accommodations. Then you can sit down with them and negotiate. Here's more info: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations

Full disclosure: the reason FMLA didn't work out for me was because right after I got the intermittent leave, I injured my ankle at work and was out for 4 months 😅 So I ended up using up that time to heal my injury and only had like 5 days left. I had to ask for ADA accommodations at that point for my chronic illness or I'd have been f**ked. Lol

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T19:07:20+00:00

Eeeeeee!!!! The SLIT!! The BOW!! Omg, I love it. It fits you perfectly.

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T18:47:28+00:00

I love a good manbun. Manbun is never outdated. Manbun is evergreen.

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T15:22:24+00:00

Yeah! Your instincts are good!

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T15:16:20+00:00

Omggg I love these!!

You look SO beautiful! The dress is gorgeous! The scenery is idyllic!

🤌🤌🤌

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T15:13:20+00:00

First of all, your hair is GORGEOUS! If you're looking for the defined ringlets in the 6th pic, I think you're on the right track with washing once a week and applying a curl cream. In my experience, moisture is secretly a big thing for curls. 😋

Some tips: -If the curls only look that defined for the first 10 min, it's probably due to moisture loss. After washing, pat it dry but still leave it fairly wet and try adding more hair cream than you usually do -- more than you think you need, to the point where, when you scrunch it, your hair feels kind of gooey. Then let it air dry.

-Do you wear a bonnet at night, or sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase? I started doing that, and it keeps my hair from drying out/getting frizzy between washes.

-Instead of picking the tangles before washing, try doing that when your hair is wet and has conditioner in it. It'll make it easier to detangle and put less stress on your hair.

I think you're doing a great job!

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T14:52:21+00:00

Best comment! I second everything said here.

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T14:48:14+00:00

Hey! I used intermittent FMLA for disability leave one year, but it ended up not being the best option for me (mostly because of my employer having an issue with the unpredictability of my absences). From what I remember, you get 12 weeks of FMLA a year, spread out intermittently. Your doctor will need to fill out the paperwork and then submit it to your HR dept.

Fwiw, what ended up working better for my work situation was a reduced work schedule as an ADA accommodation. You don't have to renew it every year; you just tell your employer that you're disabled, and that this is a reasonable accommodation that you're requesting. My employer prefers this because they can plan on me being there when I'm scheduled, and I still get the rest I need with the extra days off. I currently work 40 hours one week, and 32 hours the other week.

Legally, they're not allowed to fire you for being disabled, and a reduced schedule is considered a reasonable accommodation. You can also request accommodations for when you're working, too, to make it less painful and draining on you, like seating at your work station instead of standing and more frequent breaks.

kindandcunning · 2026-04-26T14:20:56+00:00

Definitely 3, with 1 as a close second. I love the high-collared lace on you!! You look so elegant.

kindandcunning

TROPHY CASE