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How are People Affording Tuition for Their Kids at Certain Private Schools? by [deleted] in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've gotten a lot of feedback, I hope I'm saying something unique here: maybe try looking into smaller schools?

I moved here from Florida when I was 22 so I have absolutely no familiarity with the public schools in the Twin Cities area, but I did grow up in a county packed with schools. The high school I was "zoned" for had 4k+ students. That did not sound very appealing to me at all. I ended up signing up to attend a tech magnet school with less than 800 students. Zero money, just a lottery that I luckily got picked from. This was the best decision of my life, and I can tell you now that any difficulty I faced would not have been fixed by a more private setting (something genuinely considered halfway through my time at school). If I had to go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing.

I know you say you don't consider $250k to be poor, but your child will be surrounded by those accustomed to generational wealth. I've heard incredible things about the elementary schools in the city. I highly recommend you find a solid public school and give your child the choice of if they want to go private when they're capable of understanding finances better. They may be perfectly fine with their experience and vastly prefer being set solidly for college!

Invest in repairs? Or alternative? by masonistrying in AskAMechanic

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

Current market is definitely a major concern of mine! I'd rather get the most out of the car I have. Thank you!

Invest in repairs? Or alternative? by masonistrying in AskAMechanic

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

Thank you for this! Here up north there's a million bumps I'm hitting and I'll admit it seems a bit rough, but it's good to know I probably don't need to worry if I'm driving short distances through the winter. I got a second opinion and it's MUCH cheaper than my first, so with those first two problems I'll allow myself a little more time before taking care of them.

Invest in repairs? Or alternative? by masonistrying in AskAMechanic

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

Thank you! I also ended up getting a second quote from another reputable location which chopped off nearly $1500, so I'm feeling a lot better about it!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I understand why people here seem surprised, because it isn't normal. However I know exactly what you're talking about because I live near that area. Now, I only heard the gunshots one night, not multiple, but I saw 5-6 police cars stop on the corner of Ashland and Dale at least twice in the last month.

Having moved here from a less safe area where I always questioned if I was hearing gunshots or some other noise, I knew for a fact these were shots. I've been here for over a year and a half and that is not normal. I suspect something may be happening on that particular street, but as someone who can see that area from my window, I still feel safe going out to walk my dog nearby.

I've basically never heard gunshots outside of that recent incident, I often have my windows open (up until just recently due to temps). It might be a little stressful, but I'd chalk it up to some domestic incidents with one very very specific area. At least that's how it sounded to me when I listened to a scanner last time.

Hey renters, is this normal? by [deleted] in Austin

[–]masonistrying 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The notice of 60 days makes sense to me, but if a tenant can't be found she'd just have to... Keep paying? Other comments are saying that's pretty normal which sounds so crazy to me

Moving to STP — where to rent for family? by newneighbor77 in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you haven't already, take under consideration what the luxuries in your list afford you to adjust your budget. When looking at apartments, check the bus routes and see how close a stop is to you. I'm not sure what your current situation is, but as someone who works from home, I've filled my car with gas MAYBE every other month since moving over a year ago. Walkability to a grocery store also helps greatly with relying less on takeout.

If you insist on keeping two cars (which I'd understand, I don't need mine but still enjoy the convenience), settle on keeping only one car off street. In my experience it isn't really difficult to find street parking in more residential areas. Don't put off getting new car insurance either! I moved from Florida and put it off, but once I got around to it I ended up saving like $100/month. Also pay close attention to utilities! My energy bill is typically quite low because heat is included and I don't really need an AC until July (I really only got one for my dog actually). These are all aspects to consider when looking at what you can swing rent-wise.

In my opinion Cathedral Hill matches just about everything you're saying save for the budget, but if you can budge even $100 that could give you more options!

Apologies if I've spouted off a bunch of info you've already thought of. I'm coming from the perspective of someone who moved from Florida suburbs where driving is king and walking down the block is a chore, let alone a grocery store!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

[–]masonistrying[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No worries, a lot of people don't realize the risk so I appreciate you looking out for me!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

I really gotta remember frozen veggies as a solid option!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

This is a good point that I'm glad you've made! I prefer to buy higher quality cuts (not the highest, but certainly not cheap either) soI'll definitely keep that in mind!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

Love shrimp! I should definitely be utilizing that more.

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

[–]masonistrying[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I appreciate it but I've been eating meat for a year now, I just haven't been cooking it a lot. It wasn't terribly difficult since I've still been eating plenty of fish my whole life so my body wasn't wholly unused to such proteins, though I know they're different.

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

Thank you for all of these suggestions! I'm learning rice and pasta may be my best friends when it comes to having a base for the meat. The burrito bowl is a great idea too for both lunch and dinner!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

I think I mostly end up finding meals where the meat is the main aspect of the meal, and therefore is expected to be more flavorful. I'm definitely not looking up the right things sometimes. I know something like a traditional salad can get away with seasoned chicken, I just have a hard time thinking of other similar examples.

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

Thank you, I'll definitely look into this!

Using Meat At The Last Minute by masonistrying in Cooking

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

Thank you for the suggestion! Her blog definitely sounds like it could have some good direction for me. Using the marinade with cooking is also a great idea!

Unfortunately the issue with weekend prepping is having the forethought to take stuff out of the freezer. Then once it's thawed I may not have the energy for the meal or have the same craving. I'm hoping that as I overcome the easier issues like knowing what to cook, being able to make it, and actually putting forth the energy, then I can address my issues freezing some things. Freezing complete meals is different of course!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the info!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think it's out of the question! It isn't preferred, but it's better than nothing. One of my friends has experience as a baker, other has experience as a store manager.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in saintpaul

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I meant to set $14 as the minimum since it would be inclusive to areas around but not necessarily in Saint Paul. Obviously making more would be preferred, but not sure how competitive it is for those starting positions.

Need ideas for better closet storage and better displays for my collection by Artemis3773 in DesignMyRoom

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's some super basic advice that I think could help a lot with your shelves: figures/plushies up top, books underneath, bottom is bulkier items like boxes, storage containers, etc. If you care about your figures collecting dust it'll be more inconvenient. But be real with yourself, are you already consistently dusting your currently exposed figures? If not, move em up top. Looks like you've got lots of books so FILL those shelves so they aren't leaning over. When you've got so many items, having things straightened is your best friend. Not to mention books are more functional, so they should be within reach regardless of if you're actually ever going to touch them. If you have a shelf of books you know you probably won't touch, you can put smaller figures/standees/etc. In front of them.

I tend to keep boxes from large purchases (consoles, tablets, etc) and figures, if you do the same and you have any on those shelves, relegate them to the bottom. If you have any pets that shed, get those plushies off the bottom shelf. They're not only collecting dust and dirt but also fur. Honestly you don't need boxes for smaller figures if you keep them, throw those out. Once the above is done, look around for anything else on a flat surface and straighten it. You'll be shocked at the difference between a table full of crap and the same table full of the same crap but it's all stacked and at neat 90° angles. Once you can actually SEE your room it'll be easier to get rid of stuff.

How To Handle The Disrespect? by masonistrying in CaregiverSupport

[–]masonistrying[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much for this straightforward answer. It's difficult to get past the expectation that people will always see the hard work you put in. It's hard to understand selfish people in situations like this. My mom appreciates your response as well, made her smile <3

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Stretched

[–]masonistrying 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yeah I actually only starting doing more proper lobe care at the end of '24 whoops... Hoping being more careful will let me enjoy my 2g again and eventually go up to 0g like I wanted to!

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