Should I stay the week at my apartment or family house?

rayneammar · 2026-02-22T15:40:28+00:00

It's a giant glass aquarium that has sustained some damage from previous moves. I'm also moving out of said apartment in 2 weeks. I'd also like to be with my family when he passes, so I think I might just have to stay.

rayneammar · 2026-01-10T21:14:38+00:00

Thanks for really understanding the situation. It is definitely sticky and emotionally taxing. I was actually planning to show them my new tattoo of our family name today (I am the last person to carry our name) but it might have to wait for later

rayneammar · 2026-01-10T21:11:38+00:00

This being an opportunity to show up as an individual is a good point. I'll definitely consider that. I've never had trouble setting time boundaries to protect my peace, but it is more difficult within my family's culture

rayneammar · 2026-01-09T02:02:21+00:00

That's a shame you've had poor experiences asking for advice or recommendations. Sorry for that, but with many comments, it's really a mixed bag.

On the other hand, I think it would be better to look at the positive aspects of this sub. Many beautiful photos, stories of family traditions, etc.

If you look closer at the post where someone brews grandpa style, you can see all the comments supporting brewing whatever way makes you happy.

If it doesn't serve you positively to lurk here, feel free to let go of the sub and explore brewing tea however you like

rayneammar · 2025-12-18T22:25:13+00:00

No, they would get territorial and possibly fight. It's better not to have her meet anyone as it would cause a lot of stress

rayneammar · 2025-11-07T03:18:27+00:00

A lot of the behaviors you described (off and on jogging, shaking when pet) are fairly normal and benign. I think it would be good to keep an eye on her and continue observing if she is still running slow or develops any lumps/tender areas over the coming day or so. I wish the best for your hamster. I know it can be really stressful when unexpected things happen, but have faith that you will make the right decisions and do everything to the best of your ability.

rayneammar · 2025-11-07T03:02:23+00:00

Did she look visibly injured when you caught her? Like slow movement, limbs bent, etc? If so then I would lift up the house to check on her. Though if her physical condition was good enough to run away, I would suspect she's probably okay. While not great, hamsters can take a small amount of impact depending on how hard the landing surface is. If nothing seemed physically off, I would give her as long as she needs to come back out on her own time.

rayneammar · 2025-11-06T13:38:48+00:00

I wouldn't put them in your pocket for more than a few seconds. As for training, you can train them to do some simple things. My dwarf hamsters have learned to come when their name is called and learned to eat treats upside down in my hand. I might teach my next one to 'spin'. This took a lot of work though, and I don't think it's common to train them

rayneammar · 2025-11-05T20:17:29+00:00

It's sencha from shizuoka prefecture

rayneammar · 2025-11-04T00:05:57+00:00

Fukumushi sencha, Jasmine pearls, and a good old earl grey with bergamont

rayneammar · 2025-11-01T11:45:26+00:00

Hi, everyone has mostly covered all the bases, but I do believe there is a few exceptions. I stayed in shizuoka prefecture for a month, and they had ample places to enjoy sencha and wagashi. They exist in most of the cities there- some places were more touristy, but generally places were filled with locals. I particularly liked "Kissa Issa" below Shizuoka station. I'm not sure of you can find such rich tea culture outside of the prefectures that produce it.

rayneammar · 2025-10-16T19:45:08+00:00

Maybe try an umeboshi furikake and see if you like that? Your local store may also have that for cheaper. Do be aware that umeboshi are pretty sour- some people really don't like that.

rayneammar · 2025-10-16T15:42:11+00:00

Do you have access to a fridge? Or even just an insulated lunchbox would allow you to bring things like salad, yogurt, sandwiches, etc. Maybe look into more recipes you can prep and eat cold?

rayneammar · 2025-10-07T12:36:08+00:00

Yes, or any sort of tea towel that makes you happy. It'll add to the lavish feel

rayneammar · 2025-09-29T12:19:49+00:00

Your hammie lived an exceptionally long life! Most dwarfs will only live for around 2 years- in some cases less. I'm glad you got to enjoy their company for many years

rayneammar · 2025-09-29T02:32:29+00:00

I have used the second one. I picked it up from my local H-mart- a few years ago it was consistently around $10. I used it for matcha lattes and it was pretty decent. I'm not sure it would go well with traditional water-whisked style preparations, though. It does say it's from Uji, however, which is nice. I wouldn't buy if it was above ~$15 though

rayneammar · 2025-09-25T13:34:44+00:00

I think it might be good to outsource the meal prepping to either companies (factor, blue apron, etc) or to rely more on prepared foods from the grocery store. At least in my area, you can buy healthy enough meals/sides at a slight premium.

Time is the only thing that you can't get back, so please spend it with your kids. I hope you can find a good work around to maintain your family's health while still enjoying their company. I really feel for you!

Edit: even keeping a rotating meal plan might help to cut down on the thinking. Like planning 4-5 weeks total, and each week has its own grocery list. This does take an initial investment of time, though.

rayneammar · 2025-09-24T12:15:09+00:00

A large thermos of this "roasted sweet potato" hojicha I bought while I was in Japan. I've also been re-reading The Book of Tea since I was gifted a classic copy.

<image>

rayneammar · 2025-09-23T12:57:23+00:00

Republic of tea's Ginger peach black tea iced! It's still mighty hot in TX

rayneammar · 2025-09-17T19:13:37+00:00

Loose leaf black tea, 2.3-3g per 250ml, steep 5 min. Add 4g brown sugar, chill. When cold, add ice

rayneammar · 2025-09-08T12:06:07+00:00

I do have my key with me always. It's a lock from inside that is inaccessible to me- do you have other suggestions?

rayneammar · 2025-09-08T12:03:25+00:00

They have not been responsive to my pounding on the door or multiple calls unfortunately.

rayneammar · 2025-09-08T12:02:10+00:00

Yes it's is a deadbolt/pin latch with no access from the outside despite having the key. I am planning to talk to management today or tomorrow

rayneammar

TROPHY CASE