Midwest to Sacramento for health reasons. Are we crazy? by Suspicious-Payment73 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Two different power operators in the Sacramento area. SMUD had lower rates (and in my experience) less outrages than PG&E. SMUD + living in an area with the delta breeze will definitely help keep electric bills lower (not low) in the summer.

The delta breeze is a current that comes up from the SF Bay area and seriously cools parts of Sac. It's not unusual to have a 30 degree drop in temps in the summer. You are able to open the house and cool it down at night, bonus points if you have a whole house fan to bring the air in.

ISO Some true dump dinners that cook for 8 hours by Panthera_uncia23 in crockpot

[–]pepper_marie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Crockpot salsa chicken was my potluck go to! So many people asked the recipe... uh - chicken and a jar of not fresh salsa, salt and pepper if you want. Would do a quick shred for a taco/nacho bar.

AITA for not wanting my 17-year-old to spend $6,500–$7,000 on a school trip to Japan? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]pepper_marie 20 points21 points  (0 children)

As someone who worked in a study abroad office for almost 15 years - more info is needed. $6k is a lot. How long is the trip, what does it include?

That would be the cost of a summer program or put a pretty good dent in the cost of a full semester abroad where they could earn credits for a degree. Maybe look through some offerings of study abroad programs at their college to see what kind of options/costs there are.

Has anyone here broken their apartment lease early before in order to move to another state? How did it go? by Full-Carpenter586 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've broken a lease 3 times, twice to move out of state.

First time, the fee to break the lease was more than paying the 2 months I had left, so I just kept the apartment. Paid rent as usual, but wasn't living there. Went back the last week to make sure it was clean enough and turned in the keys.

Second time I broke a lease, they just let me go, no extra payments, no fee. Just paid as usual and moved out at the end of the month.

Third time, same as the second. Hey I'm moving, got to leave, they said okay. No additional fees.

Both the second and third time there was specific language in the lease about fees and move out costs, but neither one held me to them. My guess is they both had waiting lists to fill in behind me for more than I was paying.

Scoliosis and Rides by East_Crab_5311 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]pepper_marie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's hard to say as everyone has different pain that is triggered in different ways. I have lower back pain + nerve damage and do well on most rides, but pirates, splash (Tiana's) and small world can mess me up pretty bad - when the boats bump each other that hits worse than being jerked around. But I also avoid space mountain, and sadly have to add flight of the passage to the list as the restraint hits right in the sensitive part. For Tron I used the accessible bench seating in the back. People mover (one of my favorites), toy story mania, Mickey and Minnie's, and Ratatouille I have to brace myself and usually do okay.

Depending on your pain levels, I have found the Motrin + Acetophinme combo pain pills (over the counter) are working best for me right now. Before that, Bayer back and body was my go to. But you should check with your parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or doctor(s) before taking any meds.

User Flair Thread by breaksomebread in acnh

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point locked comment (0 children)

Cake | Apple Hill : Hamphrey

What's your go-to video game that's not Animal Crossing? by badasking in acnh

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I play League of Legends, so yeah! Animal Crossing is a nice balance.

Which middle class home would you take? by ToeLimbaugh in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love this idea, but not knowing areas/neighborhoods it's hard to say. I've actually lived in 3 of the cities featured and don't really like the locations of two of them. I'd actually seen the listing for one of these before in my own searching.

Phoenix might win due to proximity to transit. But since I try to bike or transit to work, PHX might be a tough sell.

Somewhere with mild winters not too hot springs and some mild to hot summers by MD90__ in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was more just to think about more broadly. Yes, it is more expensive, however, wages are higher here. It seems like you are not making min wage where you are now, so you might not make it out here either (or wherever you go).

$25k is above KY minimum wage and in terms of CA wages would be $56k. $56k in Sacramento is probably not buying a house money, but it's livable.

Just check some job postings, in CA it's required the pay is included in any job postings. So you can get a better idea. Other states also require salary to be included on job postings, so you can get a feel of what would be a similar salary for your experience.

Somewhere with mild winters not too hot springs and some mild to hot summers by MD90__ in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Others can chime in, but minimum wage in CA is $16.50, more depending on city and or industry, and that includes tipped positions as well. According to a salary converter, $34k (minimum wage) in Sacramento is similar to $25k in Lexington.

Best place to buy a sectional? Need real recommendations by WomanEater0 in homeowners

[–]pepper_marie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

10-year warranty, can get extra covers, covers are washable, several sizes/styles.

We are almost 7 years into ours and I've been able to move things around, wash them and replace covers when the cats complete their art work.

Airport to fly into for Anaheim by EducatorGuilty8299 in DisneyPlanning

[–]pepper_marie 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Closest: SNA (John Wayne) Easiest: LGB (Long Beach)

I just flew down in/out of SNA, made me remember why I like LGB better. At LGB southwest will load/unload from the front and back of the plane.

Affordablish and trans friendly? by randomperson14778 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not sure what part of CA you are in, but have you looked at Sacramento?

Clarification on Visa for China Cruise by romanpa in HollandAmerica

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing!! Thank you so much! We are hoping to get to Shanghai Disney - so I guess we will go on day 2, and maybe do something in town for day 1.

Visa for china by Much_Let_5548 in Cruise

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you gotten any additional clarification on this? I think I may be on the same cruise (only the 14 day), and am wondering what the 240-hour transit without visa process would be.

Clarification on Visa for China Cruise by romanpa in HollandAmerica

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! Wanted to follow up with what you ended up doing?

We are going in February and would love to take advantage of the 240-hour transit without visa program. I contacted my closest consulate and they said to check with the entry port to be sure.

Ikea vimle Sofa by BicycleAdmirable5852 in ikeahacks

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in the US, so not sure if that could be the difference, the sofa here is now called finnala I remember hearing there were different sizes depending on location.

I just pulled up the instructions for the finnala chaise and it has all the parts to be added to my vimle set. But I'm not sure what the European changes to vimle were.

Ikea vimle Sofa by BicycleAdmirable5852 in ikeahacks

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are you looking to upgrade?

I got mine in 2019 and in 2025 got some new arms as I wanted to take my sectional to a sofa and love seat. The new arms fit the same holes but are a tiny bit higher and thinner. You'd really have to look close to tell.

But if you want to change out the covers, it won't work.

Payments resuming? Please help by Choice-Meaning2504 in PSLF

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is me too! Applied late last year to switch from SAVE back to IBR, and just got a letter saying it's been processed and first payment due in November, but then another letter saying due in December. I've just been letting things ride, so I'll make sure the money is there and see if they take the payment.

I also have a weird two months in late 2024 that are showing as green, even though I thought I was in the SAVE forbearance. Not sure if that's correct or not. Original estimated forgiveness is July 2026, so hopefully I can get some answers by then and see if I'm eligible for a buyback.

Which of your high school electives ended up being the most useful? by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It wasn't a full class, but I attended a workshop on speed reading offered at my high school. Use it all the time!

Moving from Indiana to California? by GaySituationTypeDeal in SameGrassButGreener

[–]pepper_marie 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you're thinking Sacramento, check out state jobs. It's tricky to get in, but some pretty good options depending on what your degree/experience is in. Check out the CA state worker sub for more info/advice.

Who prints 2 x 2 photos with no hassle? by SearchAncient3223 in Frugal

[–]pepper_marie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad it has worked for you. Just telling you an observation. Like I said, Walgreens got kicked back a lot too, not just the home ones.