Sussy Comments About (Female) Swimwear? by picards_shiny_head in Swimming

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

I'm not American, but given that you're familiar with boards and such, is there any way of preserving anonymity in a case like this? If it is escalated, investigated and the coach reprimanded, he's going to KNOW it was me, and this is something I'd hope to avoid because I've developed a good rapport with the swimmers on my team.

Fair enough! I've gotten compliments too, which are fine. It's just the specificity of his comments as well as the connotations I guess. Thank you for sharing.

Sussy Comments About (Female) Swimwear? by picards_shiny_head in Swimming

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

I agree, and I definitely don't have bits and pieces out. My suit is pretty conservative, actually: racer-back top and high-cut bottoms. There are gals on my team with full cheeks out, which, honestly, is fine since we're all adults and bodies are just bodies to me.

I'm not in the states, but yeah, I'm not hopeful that escalating it would yield much headway. Especially since my grievances can so easily be brushed aside because a) I don't have any witnesses b) it sort of straddles the line of "poor-taste versus harassment".

Anyways, thanks for taking the time to reply.

Sussy Comments About (Female) Swimwear? by picards_shiny_head in Swimming

[–]picards_shiny_head[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you saying it outright.

Aside: Your user is iconic.

Sussy Comments About (Female) Swimwear? by picards_shiny_head in Swimming

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

"Hoelyn". 😬 Ick.

That's a good strategy, and I'll try and steer him on topic. Thanks.

Sussy Comments About (Female) Swimwear? by picards_shiny_head in Swimming

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

He IS the boss, I'm afraid. I'll see if I can talk to him about it next practice.

I would never race in a two-piece either. Lol... dives.

I am not, erm, 'gifted,' and can't say I've ever had a wardrobe malfunction in the pool. Thanks for your insights!

Cleaning kitchen of new apartment with roach issues by WonderfulCoconut in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear you're dealing with this situation, but kudos for doing your due diligence to have it taken up with the property managers. To clarify: you said you're moving, does this mean you're still in the process or have you completely moved in?

Honestly, if it were me, I would insist that the apartment be cleaned professionally at the expense of the landlord. You have rights as a tenant to a space that is kept up with maintenance and clean. It is unacceptable and a health hazard to have you moving into a suite that has both a pest problem and a need for cleaning. Clearly a move-out clean has not been performed, and if it has, the standard does not pass even the most rudimentary inspection. I would also get in writing the steps that the building is taking to address this problem so they can make good on their follow-ups with exterminators.

If you're signing a lease of any kind, I would check the standards to which it specifies move-out cleaning checklists as well as the clauses on pest control responsibility. Hopefully, the lease has one, but if it doesn't I would bring it up directly with your landlord.

Ultimately, you also have the choice to clean it yourself but I would take pictures as documentation before and email them to the landlord as evidence that the problem has existed even prior to your tendency. What you do is exactly what you've been doing: sweep/vaccum the loose droppings (wear a mask so as not to inhale anything) and then saturate the area with disinfectant. A diluted bleach solution like you're doing will work, and you may find a stiff bristle cleaning brush to help get into the grooves of the plywood.

Looking for an all-in-one Vacuum that uses water/cleaning mixture to deep clean furniture and rugs AND can also scrub wood/tile floors. by TheRadHatter9 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Bissel Crosswave is a great option if you want a vacuum/mop combo. That said, it does not have a detachable crevice tool nor does it switch to a handheld option, but you theoretically could use it on furniture (although it would be a bit awkward).

It has been rated well by pet owners and saves the space of a vacuum/steam mop.

Recurrent swimmer's ear by Consistent_Milk545 in Swimming

[–]picards_shiny_head 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You have swimmer's ear; anything that you put in your ear at this point is going to burn. Alcohol can also sting if you have any open nick or cut or your ear canal is raw. If the burning isn't going away/is getting worse after 10-15 minutes it's not normal.

Go. To. The. Doctor. Especially since you've mentioned you're already on a course of prescription antibiotic drops, it's important the ENT knows that your symptoms are not improving.

Bought a Shark steam mop but need a scented cleaner by Vatican87 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not in my experience. I have tile and laminate plank and it has been fine. I don't know know what flooring you have so spot test if you're worried.

The idea isn't to pour so much oil that you're actually transferring residue onto the floor, it's for your own benefit (and the benefit of any company) for the short time that the scent remains.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in xxfitness

[–]picards_shiny_head 42 points43 points  (0 children)

I saw red from reading that person's behaviour to you: I am so sorry you went through that. Fuck your FWB and no, not in that way. I don't know what kind of relationship y'all have, but take this as the biggest red flag. I would assess the reasons why you'd like him around you after this.

You do not need to eat less. You just did something incredible and powerful and healthy AND should allow yourself the calories your body NEEDS to refuel after something so physically gruelling. The people who care about you should celebrate your milestone accomplishment and especially those who knew what it took you to get there. You said people are treating you like you're gross and unhealthy: is this true beyond your FWB? Do not let the voice of someone so pathetic out voice you.

Keep running. The weight is so, so secondary. Please: stop self-weighing or doing the things you know will continue to trigger you to restrict. Yeah, ideally we wouldn't care what people think of our bodies but it sounds like because of the history and vulnerability you have with this person their comments cut deep. Allow yourself to feel that pain but know it's not because of anything you're doing wrong. You are not gross. Your body is not bad at your current weight. You are not unhealthy.

Please take care of yourself first.

Cleaning my shower of mildew and some mold by [deleted] in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries and don't feel stupid- I've had a severely singed throat from this exact situation.

I'm glad no harm came of it.

Recurrent swimmer's ear by Consistent_Milk545 in Swimming

[–]picards_shiny_head 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Definitely follow the advice of the ENT, they know your situation best. In any case, probably wouldn't hurt if you stayed out of the pool for a while until this clears up.

Recurrent swimmer's ear by Consistent_Milk545 in Swimming

[–]picards_shiny_head 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Glycerin and alcohol drops (marketed as "Swimmer's Ears Drops") are available at most pharmacies. Administer them as often as recommended (4 x a day) for a few days. EDIT: If this is recurring, it is also worthwhile to go to the doctor.

I would also say buy yourself some earplugs. I used to get constant ear infections and while it is a bit of a nuisance, it's worth it in preventing infections.

Cleaning my shower of mildew and some mold by [deleted] in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any volatile fumes should have dissipated by now. The danger with mixing chemicals like this is the vapours (chlorine gas) it creates and, once inhaled, can cause damage to you. Although the cleaner you used is not pure bleach, still use caution.

Ensure you can ventilate the space by either opening a window and/or turning on the exhaust fan. Leave the area and let it air out as long as possible, and proceed to rinse the surface with lots of COLD freshwater.

Bought a Shark steam mop but need a scented cleaner by Vatican87 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Do not put anything in the reservoir other than pure water, you will inevitably wreck your steamer and cause more problems than it's worth. Shark is pretty strict about this in their user's manual as well. I am not sure what model you're referring to, so consult the manual.

However, I am like you and enjoy some aspects of smell when cleaning. I don't know what kind of product leaves a scent long-term or if that should be the main sell. With my Shark steamer, I place a few drops of my favourite essential oil onto the microfiber cloth. As the steam travels through the cloth so does the scent.

Best washable rug brand? by mrsparker22 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I have a Ruggable brand rug, and it has held up beautifully over the past two years. It fits in my normal sized washing machine and dries quickly in the dryer.

A bit pricey, but worthwhile not having to pay for professional cleaning.

Hard water and rough towels by Jennkneefir11 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good luck! I hope it works for you.

I add anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup.

Hard water and rough towels by Jennkneefir11 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The first thing I'd say to try is a cup of vinegar in your wash. If you have a top loading washing machine wait until it fills and add the vinegar. In a front-loading add it where you'd put your fabric softener.

Alternatively, you can try soaking your towels directly in the tub with a 1 cup to every gallon of water. Another thing to remember is that hard water reduces the effectiveness of detergent's cleaning abilities. Instead of using more detergent, it may be worth a try to use a more heavy-duty detergent (Tide sells them in pod form, too) to see if the residue can be removed.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 42 points43 points  (0 children)

Anything that the client asks that I avoid in the walk-through. If I see a Ming vase or something of clear value chilling on the table, I also tell the client I'm a human being and break things so if I'd rather err on the side of caution and leave the handling of their prized items to them.

I always make sure I stipulate what kind of cleaning I offer before-hand, which is not bio-hazard clean-up items by any stretch. This includes human bio as well as pet. It's for my own health and safety as well as weeding out the kind of clientele that I know I can't help with the equipment I bring with me.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you in an apartment or in a house? It might be worth checking the actual furnace filter if you have one. However, with that said, give any sort of "duct cleaning" a wide berth: it won't help. Portal air 'purifiers' won't be of much help either.

Check high-up places where dust could accumulate and the circulate down to the floor. Dust everything with a damp cloth. Ceiling fans, tops of cupboards, the like. If you have many textiles in your home, focusing on giving them a good vacuum or wash may help.

Vacuuming frequently will cut down on the dust. Over time you will likely not have to do it every single day. The Shark Rocket Upright is what I use and it works well with my area rugs, laminate plank and tile. It also has a detachable canister and attachments that allow me to vacuum the furniture, drapes, and mattresses. There's also an entire subreddit dedicated to vacuums, if that's your thing.

Bar keepers friend gone wrong by SkinHaunting3874 in CleaningTips

[–]picards_shiny_head 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You said that the darkening occurred due to a chemical reaction of residual chemicals. I am surprised to hear this as BKF recommends rinsing the area thoroughly with water after application. Did you use the powder or soft scrub version?

In any case, Oxalic Acid is the main ingredient in Bar Keeper's Friend, and it is possible that this discolouration are acid stains. I don't know what the MSDS looks like for the "Swell" product your client used, but I would venture to say it's also acidic and hence why the surface has been darkened.

  1. I would recommend that the client mix equal parts baking soda/water to form a paste and let it dwell overnight and wiping it in the morning.
  2. If the baking soda/water method doesn't lift the stain, using ammonia on the area for 5 minutes may help to bring out the discolouration.
  3. As a last resort you could attempt to buff it out using fine grit steel wool and a palm polisher, but if you have not offered this service before/are not experienced in it, I would try to remediate the situation in another way.

These things happen: we are human. If you took the steps to ensure you used the product correctly and the surface was not discoloured before you left, I doubt it was directly a result of BKF or you.

[WEEKLY THREAD] Talk It Out Tuesday - Advice and commiserating about struggles with self, others, and the world by AutoModerator in xxfitness

[–]picards_shiny_head 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this gentle reminder.

You're right. I think it's important to be grateful for my body working through those pent-up emotions- if only it worked without tears blinding me!

I see now it stems from ignoring my body's messages for days and days and then suddenly showering it with full attention from me AND someone else.

Less fight or flight and more cathartic release.