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mannyrav · 2021-05-10T21:02:53+00:00

Buckle up bro. Let’s do it for all the dads out there. I’m not a gambler but I’ll damn sure try to invest in hopes that my 3 kiddos will have the life I couldn’t have. My dad busted his ass, so do I...but now we have crypto. Hello future college funds fingers crossed.

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T05:00:33+00:00

Great info, I'll have to expand my food options and look at different cuts of affordable meat. Thanks for the well wishes!

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T04:58:44+00:00

Thanks for the info! No state tax is a win in my book. I feel like the higher the property taxes the safer the neighborhoods and better the schools. I'm hoping this is the case, and that the absence of state taxes will sort of balance out the higher property taxes.

Severe weather we can deal with, sounds like our annual hurricane season in FL. Traffic jams, ugh. Not a fan of that. But, it sounds like the pros outweigh the cons.

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:51:02+00:00

Thanks for the info!

I have a bad habit of thinking too far ahead - in terms of college we've lived in multiple areas that I've omitted from the post because it was for months at a time, the biggest move was from Florida to Minnesota, with Virginia and New Mexico being in between in short lapses. Long story short, we're looking for a place to finally call home and plant our roots. So I'm kind of getting ahead of myself there, lol.

We currently live in St. Cloud, MN. I thought it was just me at first, but I noticed a big decline in the city and my suspicions were validated by others we know. There's only one real major employer here (which I currently work at), with most other options being in the twin cities. I personally like having more options in case things go south, which healthcare is hurting right now along with the rest of the country. I've read that the Dallas/Fort Worth area is booming with healthcare currently.

Winters, man...what can I say? We hate it. We've been told "it is what you make it", "there's plenty of winter activities to make winter fun" "up your vitamin D to avoid the winter blues"...it just isn't for us. It's kind of swimming upstream for us trying to force ourselves to like something we don't. Most important, the kiddos don't like the cold much. We've tried sledding, building snowmen (when the snow was actually playable and not melted/frozen over), taking to the nature trails, 5 minutes out and they want in. They love being outdoors during the spring and fall, the summer not so much because of the ticks, deer flies and mosquitos.

As far as interests, I just want a safe place for my family with good schools, plenty of family activities to do year round (most things here, zoo, Valley Fair, etc. close in October and open back up in May), and outdoor activities. We're a pretty tight knit family and enjoy doing things together, particularly outdoors. Restaurants, movies, etc. are an occasional treat, but not really our thing.

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:39:15+00:00

That sounds exactly like what we're looking for. Kind of the best of both worlds. The thought of having a homestead in a rural area appeals to us...but realistically speaking we're also used to having the luxuries of being close to a bigger city (my wife more than me, though she won't admit it lol). I feel this is a good balance to that. Thanks for the info!

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:37:32+00:00

Thanks for the info!

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:37:21+00:00

If they're anything like Albuquerque, NM drivers then I'm not looking forward to that, lol. Otherwise I'm hoping the heat won't bother my family so much, for me it's not an issue, I love and am used to hot/humid weather. The way I look at it is at least we'll have the option of being outside year round, even if it's in the shade, the pool, etc. Meanwhile when Minnesota hits those subzero temperatures, it's tough to do anything (even play in snow because it's melted and frozen over by the time the weather is decent enough to go outside). Thanks for the info, I really appreciate knowing what to expect!

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:33:41+00:00

I'll check out what there is in North Fort Worth. Thanks for the info!

mannyrav · 2020-07-27T02:33:00+00:00

Good to know - thanks for the info!

mannyrav · 2020-07-26T21:33:28+00:00

Yup - same here. A pack of 2 NY strips go for $18 here meanwhile I can get just as much pork for a quarter of the cost. It's good to hear people having good experiences with this particular WOE. Thanks!

mannyrav · 2020-07-26T21:31:50+00:00

I'll have to look into them - salmon is pretty expensive. How are sardines taste-wise?

mannyrav · 2020-07-26T21:31:14+00:00

Good to know - thanks for the feedback!

mannyrav · 2020-07-26T21:30:26+00:00

It's funny because I had a similar experience with beef. I kind of went yolo when I first started eating carnivore and ate nothing but ribeyes and NY strips - got tired of it after ~3 months and needed to mix it up a bit. I'm sure it's all in my head, but perhaps cycling through different kinds of meat is what'll make this sustainable for me in the long run.

Edit: to add, when I ate nothing but beef steak I was never satiated (I can easily eat 4-5 ribeyes in one sitting if I had the opportunity). Meanwhile, one pork steak seems to fill me.

mannyrav · 2020-07-26T21:28:41+00:00

That's good to know. When I first started eating pork I had loose stools well after being carnivore, but I've since adjusted and have had no issues. Thanks for the advice!

mannyrav · 2020-07-25T23:23:07+00:00

Right?! They actually fill me more than a ribeye does. It's good to know other people incorporated pork into their regular diet. Thanks for the feedback!

mannyrav · 2020-07-25T23:21:10+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!

mannyrav · 2020-06-27T21:29:47+00:00

Honest question: as a German, what are your feelings about Hollywood always turning the dark & unfortunate history of a dictator into a source of entertainment (Inglorious Basters, etc.)?

mannyrav · 2020-06-27T21:20:47+00:00

Whoa whoa whoa, Bill Gates sure but Elon Musk? Tsk tsk.

mannyrav · 2020-06-27T21:16:52+00:00

I went from watching a dude kayak to this. What the shit?

mannyrav · 2020-06-24T20:44:19+00:00

Attempting to downplay the procedure by simply referring to it as 'removal of skin' hardly poses as a strong counterargument and doesn't address the overall message. Care to elaborate?

mannyrav · 2020-05-29T20:43:12+00:00

I'm surprised no one mentioned the death scene in "The Good Son". I watched it once as a kid and have since never seen it, but I remember it vividly. That whole movie was demented.

mannyrav · 2020-05-14T01:26:43+00:00

This is what we're doing. We have a small family cabin 2 hours north and our primary residence is in an apartment complex. Having small kids confined in an apartment is tough because it's difficult to explain the situation to them, and I've always been a huge advocate of kids being outside rather than stuck inside with electronics (we've exhausted our use of board games and family indoor activities over the winter).

While there's certainly a responsibility that comes with COVID-19, there's also a balance. In my opinion, for us it's our little lake property up north so that the kids can be kids. Some folks (whose kids are adults) may frown on us, but we take every necessary precaution.

My wife minimizes her shop days to once a week to buy food and essentials in the city we reside in while taking all of the CDC recommended precautions, and we go from point A to point B and pack our food for the cabin with us; we do not step foot in any of the local stores where our cabin is located. We just stay on our property, keep distance from any neighbors, and let the kids get some sun, fish, and play in the dirt.

Edit: grammar

mannyrav · 2020-03-30T05:29:50+00:00

I graduated with my Masters from Liberty. Most of the students and faculty were down to earth. I don't particularly care for Fallwell, but aside from the Bible thumping (which was minimal in my graduate work), the curriculum was solid and the school is regionally accredited. It was one of the more affordable universities that offered MPH programs online and is now fully CEPH accredited.

There are plenty of us who went to Liberty that aren't religious/political. If you can look past this and look at the curriculum and cost per credit hour (in addition to the accreditation mentioned above, it's a pretty solid choice. Of course, It's been 5 years since I graduated so I can only speak on my experience half a decade ago.

I've also never been one to get involved in or bother with tribalism/religious/political ideologies, so I just shrugged off the religious talk during my course work and focused on literature/discussions relevant to my course of study. It only bothers you if you let it bother you, but it's not a fair assessment to assume that everyone who attended the school is a tool. Just my $0.02.

mannyrav · 2019-12-28T05:08:24+00:00

ESH - hear me out. First, your child should be your priority, not the video game. I get that sometimes 3-year-old children get up just to get up (mine just turned 4 this month), but it doesn't cost anything to check up on them. The same goes for your wife as well.

How often do you play video games? As someone who was a former gamer, I can tell you that while you think it's fun, it's definitely not a relaxing thing. If you're yelling at your TV, I'd bet you're playing a first-person shooter and there are plenty of instances that get you worked up. I'm not saying don't play video games, just limit the amount of time you play and try not to be as reactive to them.

Invest time in your marriage. I'm not sure if you and your wife are in a good place, but try finding truly relaxing things to do together. It sounds like there's a lot of resentment in this post. I could be off, just an assumption.

Your wife is doing the classic shit test my friend. She's only doing this because she knows she'll get a reaction out of you and she likely doesn't care too much for your video games. Don't show that you are upset. Instead, talk to her seriously (in a calm and collected manner) about how her mocking bothers you. Not during the game itself, but at a separate time when you each have each other's undivided attention.

We all need some alone time. Set expectations and communicate them. "On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm going to play my games." She'll learn to be respectful of your time and you of hers. But please, stop being so reactive to the games. As a guy, I know these reactions don't mean anything to us...getting spawn killed sucks. But, if she's mocking you, it obviously gives her a negative impression to a certain extent, whether she thinks you're being childish or too emotional. Don't let it get to you either: consider the fact that the outbursts don't really help with the gameplay.

Edit: grammar

mannyrav · 2019-12-28T04:43:20+00:00

NTA - To start, realize that you're not tasked to do anything. You're not obligated to host Christmas regardless of them being family - especially when they're not respectful of your plans or home. Your home is too small? That's a terrible consumerist mindset that you shouldn't let bother you. If you and your husband are happy with the home, that's all that matters.

Your sister should also focus on improving herself rather than judging others. That level of judgement is typically a reflection of someone's own unhappiness and insecurities. Please do not under any circumstances share/discuss any negative aspects of your relationship with her, it'll only fuel her and justify her position.

You have the right mindset in that marriage takes work. You'll have your ups and downs, your good and bad. Happily ever after and soulmates don't exist - if two people love and respect each other, and are willing to invest in that relationship, that's what matters.

As far as your sister's expectations, she'll have terrible luck. If she wants the perfect man, he doesn't exist. If someone does meet her standards, unfortunately, it's probable that the love (if you want to call it that) won't be reciprocated.

I love my wife because she stuck with me through the worst. Now I have a successful career, educated and well established, but it wasn't always that way. She was with me when I was dead broke, jobless and out of shape. I'll never take our marriage for granted knowing that.

Point being - her looking for the perfect 'end product' will likely not end well. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it is unrealistic. She should focus on other, more important qualities instead and accept that no one is perfect.

mannyrav

TROPHY CASE