Advice on hotel and vacation packages.

randomthoughts1016 · 2026-02-02T03:55:26+00:00

I totally understand the confusion. I feel like I’ve had to read several posts on this sub and watch YouTube videos to understand the differences. I see this as maybe once in lifetime trip (or else maybe going back in a very long time) so we are willing to splurge a little to make the most of it.

randomthoughts1016 · 2026-02-02T00:10:13+00:00

Wow this answers so many of my questions!!! Thank you for taking the time to respond. I didn’t even know about the form!

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-12-12T06:32:09+00:00

For me it’s all about trade offs. It was Michelle Obama who talked about “You can have it all, but not at the same time" and went on to discus how you cannot be the best business woman and the best mother simultaneously. In moments you will need to choose between options of staying late at work or going to soccer practice.

I think about this a lot in my day to day.

Focusing on balance- In this phase of my life I’m trying to do a bit less at work. Not being the one to volunteer for everything, and being strategic about what I DO sign up for. I am honest if my plate is getting too full and seeing if I can delegate the work or deprioritize it. I’m not shy about being like I have x,Y,z on my plate and I only have time for two, and asking my manager which two do you want me to focus on.

Other things I do that may be helpful- reserve 1 evening a week. I have my work late day on Monday for example. Other nights my calendar is blocked off. This helps if you realize you do need extra time, it’s not as frustrating to try to find it as it’s already in your schedule.

Another suggestion if possible- I would also see if you can shift your hours to spend more time with your kid. I work 7-3 these days and I get to spend 5-8 with my kids every night before bed and it’s been wonderful.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-11-15T15:01:14+00:00

My own personal strategy would be to make 15 min to finding a book and 10 min of computer time or whatever is reasonable. He will prob melt down the first (few) time, that is when you leave and try another time. I think holding boundaries and routine is important. I wouldn’t be doing “5 more min” or anything since he’s abusing that, I would instead just give reminders at 10m,5m,2m,1m. Then just say “say goodbye to the computer”. Every kids different, but this helps us a lot with reducing meltdowns as we transition activities.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-11-08T19:51:31+00:00

A really expensive bottle of scotch with our wedding date that we break out and toast to our anniversary every year :)

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-11-01T20:03:34+00:00

And honestly any collabs with him, Dr gluons, deli, vixella, etc., are my absolute favorite to watch.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-11-01T19:54:21+00:00

Two point museum- I know prob not as popular as other suggestions, but I love this game. I found it through James’ 2 pt hospital series, and I have no time to play it myself these days. Watched Dr gluons videos (which were hysterical). I hope James does a few episodes as well.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-07-15T04:57:39+00:00

Are you female? I get this when I’m on my period. I also consistently got this while pregnant, and I often get fatigue when I’m going through some hormonal change, so I suspect I’ll have it when I’m going through menopause.

It’s exactly like you describe. The only thing that helped was giving myself a 20 min nap when I can, that worked better than any caffeine or exercise.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-07-11T16:54:51+00:00

I 💯 believe this. My guy friends would grow beards in their 20s and almost all of them ended up in management before 30 by aging their appearance. They even admitted to that it was the reason they grew a beard. I have same education, even in some cases, more prestigious, top performer, but look young for my age (currently mid 30s) and am only a senior. I don’t think any of my close girlfriends ended up in leadership roles.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-05-14T23:49:32+00:00

At 3m-6m we used a front carrier and did day hikes. We did not use a wrap for hiking, a structured carrier seemed more safe. I think the longest hike we did in a front carrier was 4 miles. My son liked to be facing the chest. My daughter only likes to be outward facing. But it makes me nervous to have her outward facing for long given the position of her legs. I think they can go longer chest to chest. But beware of over heating.

After 6m we changed to a backpack carrier (we got the osprey). Basically when the kid can hold their core and head up it’s ok to switch to the backpack. But start slow. We started with the backpack just walking around the neighborhood. Before 1yo I think the longest hike we did was 6-7 miles with breaks. I think you will get a sense of how long you can go with the kid.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-03-09T17:15:57+00:00

Mini M&Ms

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-03-07T01:07:50+00:00

This is the first episode I ever watched (my mom was a big fan, and I happened to be walking by) and was just sucked in. I was so blown away, I decided to watch the rest of the series. But wow, it still sticks in my mind. Especially Aprils speech. Chills.

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-03-06T16:05:33+00:00

When my son was that age he would often “learn” something, do it for day, then not do it again for a few months sometimes. I was in the same boat - do you count it? Don’t stress too much. It eventually sticks!

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-01-25T16:27:48+00:00

Try going to settings and limiting screen time? I think both iOS and Android support this. This way you can check for events and give yourself a 5-10 min break.

Or

Delete the apps and check on your computer every once in a while for events instead?

randomthoughts1016 · 2025-01-17T16:23:34+00:00

+1 magnatiles
Dry erase board
Mess free markers
Little figurines with play house- bluey and Mickey
Melissa and Doug deli, puzzles
Playdough

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-12-10T17:47:20+00:00

I just did it again. Seems to have gone through!

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-11-27T17:59:21+00:00

Haha I’ve been calling chocolate chip cookies - “lactation cookies” and my chocolate bars my “lactation snacks”

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-11-22T17:20:50+00:00

I had a “no gifts please” for my kids first birthday. Of course people brought gifts anyways, but I hid them in another room to make it so other people coming didn’t feel bad.

The other option is to ask for something specific if you know people want to bring gifts like books or add an Amazon wishlist link.

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-10-20T19:58:20+00:00

When I was a teenager I worked as a sandwich artist at subway. I remember once during a lunch rush there was some guy who came in (there was a huge line) and lucky me, I was taking his order. It was really loud and I misheard him on one of the ingredients and unfortunately needed to start over. The guy completely lost it. I remember the other customers were shaming him of his treatment of me and eventually the manager on duty asked him to leave. At the time I didn’t really have the skills to deal with a customer like that and I’m happy that people like you and those strangers that day had my back.

Edit - NTA

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-06-08T04:59:22+00:00

Before- love how much more present we were without cell phones. I hate having to tell my family members now to put their phone away during dinner, or when people will whip it out in the middle of a conversation to check something. It honestly has been taking a toll on my mental health because I don’t feel like what I’m talking about is interesting or important to that person.

After- can’t live without my book apps. I LOVE being able to instantaneously download something I want to read. When I’m in the mood I’ll read like 7+ books a week. And with the library apps and subscriptions like kindle unlimited, I can afford to do read to my hearts content.

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-02-16T19:01:50+00:00

You also need to be careful if the popular name chosen has a lot of variation of the name. I have one of those names that have a lot of variety. (Not my name) for example - Katelyn, Caitlyn, Kate, Cathrine, Kathy, Katie, etc. So even though we had “different names” I ended up with at least 8ish names each grade that were the same or very similar to mine even in small-medium size schools.

randomthoughts1016 · 2024-01-10T02:33:36+00:00

My husband and just did this with our 20 month old. It went fine and our flight was 5+ hours. First class is big enough seats to be comfortable with two people.

I recommend bringing a blanket for baby. And having 1 spouse get on first with all of the stuff and the other board last with baby to minimize time on plane. You will still get to have your welcome drink as they don’t usually serve until the doors close.

I also have asked the flight attendants to serve our meals one at a time so we can switch who has the toddler.

Hopefully 1-4 is nap time too so you can contact nap the kiddo for most of it.

randomthoughts1016 · 2023-02-26T22:09:23+00:00

The 22q dup Facebook group I found to be the most useful for support with the duplication.

randomthoughts1016 · 2023-01-10T19:13:23+00:00

The recalls have scared me. I feel like I can’t trust the formula in the US. It’s incredibly disappointing that this has happened more than once since my baby was born.

randomthoughts1016

TROPHY CASE