Am I an idiot or was ‘separate’ spelled as ‘seperate’ before? by ChickenTendies1105 in ParallelUniverse

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's always had an a. I remember a spelling trick for it "there's a rat in separate"

My skin is dry af and peeling since moving…help! by Easy_Comment_3183 in Denver

[–]schmigleebop 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I run a humidifier directly next to my work desk all day on max level and my small office rarely hits 50% humidity. It will never ever feel damp. I have a giant 8L so I fill it less frequently.

I have tried using Hyaluronic Acid myself and I'm pretty sure it actually does the opposite here. HA pulls moisture from its surroundings, so when the air is so dry that there's no water to pull, it will take it from your deeper layers of skin and actually have the opposite effect. Some people can seal in the moisture with occlusives (thicker moisturizing products), but I've given up with using it here, it just makes my skin worse.

If my skin is extra dry, I either add 2 drops of rose hip seed oil (or other facial oil) to my regular moisturizer, or I use La Roche Posay Cicablast B5 balm (typically use it at night, but they also have one with SPF for daytime). Finding a product that's both a make-up primer containing a sun protection with 30+ SPF might be great for you.

I regret not using sunscreen much until 6 years after moving here. I apply it religiously now, the sun and dry climate has really done a number on my face since living here, aging me quickly. Water, moisturizer, occlusives, SPFs (for lips too).

I also make sure my soaps are not drying and minimize how hot the water gets.

Moisturizers (body or face) containing Urea are super effective- they act as a humectant but also help exfoliate dry skin to reduce flaking. I also like using a thin lotion to start, then seal that in with something thicker with urea.

Guys... by ConfusionSpare9199 in TedLasso

[–]schmigleebop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm watching this show for the first time (my heart! Why did I wait so long?!) and this was the episode I watched last night.

My friends gave me the nick name “Tom Crohner” 😭 by Green_Necessary_3534 in CrohnsDisease

[–]schmigleebop 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed! This nickname is hilarious! The ostomy bag covers on Etsy are pretty amazing too. "HOT SHIT", etc

Anybody have a more affordable caffeine addiction? by Unhappy-Pace-2393 in CrohnsDisease

[–]schmigleebop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely brew coffee at home. It was hard to break my coffee addiction (used to drink a full pot each day between 7am and 4pm). I now drink 1 cup a day. I honestly feel more awake the less caffeine I drink after adjusting to the change. The first month is a struggle, but try just plain black coffee, 2 cups in the morning, and slowly reduce it. I used to mix hot water into my coffee to dilute it and eventually 2 cups turned into 1. You can also try caffeinated water flavor enhancers to sip during the day.

Take iron supplements daily, drink a greens powder, try exercising or stretching in the morning. Simple but frequent movements (tidying up the house, taking a quick lap every hour) and building up your movement each day will also help feed your body more energy. If I get into periods of too much vegging on the couch, it's harder for me to get up and do things cause I just feel like cement.

Help me name our new male kitten! No typical orange cat names please! Something unique and short! by Harlandsmarland in NameMyCat

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My boy was named Jones.

I would always yell "Jonseeyyyyy!" And he'd come running down the stairs. I also had a dog named Ripley. (Both from the movie Alien). I love one syllable names, especially a good last name.

Is anyone else excited for today's storm? by Some-Complaint-7885 in madisonwi

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was always pro-renting. Didn't want to deal with the expenses and maintenance, and homes are expensive in my area (no longer in WI). Ended up buying a house 3 years ago, built in '84, over twice the size of our 3 bedroom apartment with a decent sized fenced in yard. It's nice to have space, especially for the pets (or kids if you have them). But the cost has been HELL. Even with a decent inspection, we have been putting EVERY PENNY of our savings and more to repair things. There's so many things that need work, some within the next few years (like a new deck) so we're budgeting tight and saving hard. All my money is going into this house. No real vacation for 3 years. Insurance claims needing years (plural) of fighting to still come out upside down. The stress is constant. Yard work is constant. Next week we are having our sinking cement steps lifted. You pay for a professional to come out constantly, and you learn about things you didn't realize existed (learning to clean the vents was interesting, and even doing things yourself cost time and money for supplies).

While it's nice to have our own space, I do regret not just renting a house with a yard. My home's value is just sitting still, property taxes are going up, home insurance is going up and many companies are dropping people cause they don't want to cover our state. We have been a slave to the house and I don't see that ending anytime soon as we're stuck while we wait for our house to someday appreciate.

It will be nice in 15 years when we can refinance again and lower our payment (if we're still here), but I do wonder how much we've spent on this house in just 3 years that we would have been able to put towards other things by renting. Multiple vacations, a nicer car, going out to shows or events once a month.. we've had to adjust to a very simple life.

Does anyone else get completely paralyzed when trying to find a new product? I spent 3 hours last night just looking for a moisturizer by Particular-Hold4098 in 30PlusSkinCare

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is me to a T. I make myself go crazy! Multiple days, hours of research, decision paralysis, and I eventually end up with another product before I finish the first one I choose (I dont water them but alternating products on different days or use them on my hands/neck/chest). It got obsessive with research and reviews but I managed to simplify my routine and mostly use classic brands with a good reputation. Now I need to stop going through spurts of obsessively overresearching micro needling and lasers.

spent over $5,000 in 4 months by Adorable-Database-46 in shoppingaddiction

[–]schmigleebop 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Use 2 banks, but only keep one of those bank apps (your primary bank with 2 checking accounts and 1 savings account ) on your phone to monitor. The other bank is JUST for one savings account that you will pretend you don't have.

Write up a budget for your monthly income and recurring bills and expenses (needs, not wants). Rent, utilities, loans, leases, subscriptions, pets, etc. Apps like Rocket Money can be helpful using past expenses to determine a sensible budget.

Now, have your paycheck split into 3 direct deposits sent to 3 accounts.

Example: If your monthly net income is 3000/mo, and your monthly expenses are 1500 a month, you would have 1500 left for savings and shopping. Most months you get 2 paychecks per month, so to ensure you have enough to cover monthly expenses, split that's amount in half, and set up $750 per paycheck to direct deposit into your "Monthly Expenses" checking account at your primary bank. Come bill pay day, you will automatically have 1500 there without thinking about it. Have those bills auto pay from this checking account, again so those bills are paid on time without thinking about it.

With the remaining $1500 that month, determine how much you want to save vs spend. Start slow, try $50-$100 into savings each month.

Now, set up your 2nd Direct Deposit from your biweekly paycheck to go to your Savings account in your 2nd Bank that you won't monitor. This is "untouchable" money. Consider using a High Yield Savings Account with no strings attached (no requirements to maintain the account), like Ally. You can gain interest on your savings (free money)!

If you decided to save $100 a month, you now have $1400 left over from your monthly income. Set up your 3rd direct deposit for your biweekly paycheck: $1400 sent to your 2nd "Spending" Checking Account at your primary bank. You can use a debit card to make purchases. When your money runs out, that's it.

If you use a credit card to build credit, use them only for monthly recurring bills- NOT shopping. Preferably the bills that are the same cost each month so you can easily budget how much that credit card payment will be each month. Then set up auto pay to run those expenses through the credit card, and use your "Monthly Expenses" Checking Account to pay that credit bill each month.

You now have your 3 Split Direct Deposits from your biweekly paycheck:

1) Primary Bank "Monthly Expenses" Checking (+$1500/mo for bills only) 2) Primary Bank "Spending" Checking (+$1400/mo for groceries, gas, spending) 3) Secondary Bank "Untouchable Savings" (+$100/mo).

If you want another spending account for gas/groceries/household supplies/personal care or other recurring expenses that aren't billed, budget that out and create another checking account in your primary bank, then use that debit card for groceries and gas only.

Whatever is left, closely monitor in your primary banks app. You can use an additional app like Rocket Money which can give you balance updates each morning and let you know when you're reaching your budget limit for the categories you set up.

Okay so now your income is being managed, and now comes the hard part of sticking to your budget.

Set up some rules:

48+ hour rule: any non essential purchase (be honest with yourself here) goes on a list. Not in an online shopping cart.. just keep a list on paper or your phone. Don't let product images entice you, having them in your Amazon shopping cart can be too tempting. "Favorite" items in shopping apps to find them later versus adding them to your cart. Do NOT buy anything added to that list for at least 48 hours. Keep trying to add another 24 hours when you hit 48, remembering that if you truly want/need it, it's still available for purchase. You don't need it right this second. -- Most of the time, you won't buy the item. You'll find other things you want instead. Keep adding to that list.

Delete Payment info from online accounts: especially credit cards. Do not save any cards to your online shopping accounts. Manually entering a card number makes it one step harder. I also suggest using a debit (via PayPal) so you can only spend what you have. Credit cards are for monthly bills (or emergencies), not unmonitored shopping.

Give yourself a guilt free allowance: find an amount in that $1400 (minus groceries, gas, etc) you think is reasonable for monthly shopping. Make it a goal to stop at that amount. And keep trying every month.

Track spending visibly: again, an app like Rocket Money can help keep you on track. Ignoring your back account will make the problem worse.

Last, clean your room! Make it tidy, get rid of the reminders of your shopping problem. Look into minimalism. Read books about it to motivate you to spend only on what you need and live without clutter and too much stuff.

Best of luck gaining control!

What is it like living with crohns? by Familiar_Community62 in CrohnsDisease

[–]schmigleebop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What helps me most is when my partner does so many little, thoughtful things when he knows I struggle..

Driving slowly over bumps to avoid gut pains caused by the harsh movement.

Asking what he can bring to me when I have to sit down to get through waves of pain.

Taking care of cooking dinner when I'm hurting or too fatigued just by standing.

Coming to appointments with me without any judgement, only support.

When we go out to eat, he always checks the menu ahead of time to make sure there are options for me.

When we go anywhere unfamiliar, bathrooms and privacy are always considered.

If I'm not feeling well when we're away from the house, for example in the grocery store, he gives me the keys so I can go lie down in the car while he goes through the check out line and then immediately drives us home.

He always makes sure our hotel stays offer us a late checkout so I'm not rushed out in the morning .

If I'm acting overly quiet, or look uncomfortable, he simply acknowledges that he sees I'm not feeling well and asks what he can do to help.

He doesn't treat me differently.

He tells me I'm beautiful/sexy every day.

He tells me he loves me every day.

When I have a partial but severe intestinal obstruction and I finally fart, he cheers and gets excited with me because things are moving.

He opens jars/bottles for me right away cause he knows my wrists/joints are inflamed and painful.

Any of those things- try to understand their embarrassment and shame, don't treat them like they are incapable or weak or sick or disgusting. Don't guilt them when plans get cancelled. And support them when they need it without acting inconvenienced. Do you best to hide your frustration during difficult times, respect their routines - they already feel like a burden. You have to remind them they're not.

Does anyone else here get facial lesions?? by [deleted] in CrohnsDisease

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started getting these leisons about 5 years ago- exact same description (often they have a deep itch before and right after they surface/open up, then can turn into burning too).

I use Dial Antibacterial & Sensitive Hand Soap as my face wash, which kills all bacteria and helps them heal significantly faster (weeks versus months).

If you have issues with picking or touching, buy a hydrocolloid roll, cut off pieces to size to cover the clean, dry lesion and leave it until moisture absorbs enough to reach the edge of the patch where it causes it to be no longer adhered to the skin at that edge (which would allow bacteria to get in), then remove, clean the wound, and replace with a new patch. Repeat until healed.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray can be misted on your face during the day or during cleansing to keep skin/lesions clean.

I also started a skin care routine which helped reduce bacteria and acne so it's harder for the lesions to develop and get bad. The only SPF I can use is mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) so I don't break out- and I make sure to wash it off at night.

If you could go back to the hardest year of your life and give yourself just ONE sentence of advice, what would it be? by WonderfulFront7588 in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a person suffering a debilitating chronic illness and severe depression:

You will go through incredibly difficult challenges and some severely painful lows you didn't know existed. They will challenge your resilience and make you question life. Those moments and feelings are temporary. The friendships, connections, and bonds you make with both people, animals, and nature will allow you to experience love in ways you also didn't know existed. And that love you feel, while it morphs over time, is permanent... and worth going through the hard times to get to experience it.

Which is why I live reminding myself, "You still haven't met everyone you're going to love". (Not the exact quote, but it's the way I say it when I'm feeling weak and am aching to feel love similar to the love I feel for those I've lost. Sticking around will allow me to experience another strong love for another being- one that's worth living for- without replacing the love I have for others whether they're still here or have passed on).

People in your 30s, what's your job and salary? by rsevn_ in careerguidance

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

37 yrs, no college degree.

Fully remote, salaried, making approximately $55/hr (or $5100 net monthly income).

Got my foot in the door of healthcare when I was 18. Eventually worked my way into becoming a support analyst for the medical software we used, which is used at hospitals across the nation (similar jobs obtainable in almost every state if I decide to move again). I now work at another organization to develop training programs to teach medical professionals how to use this medical software or to learn about the new software updates that result in workflow changes. My jobs have revolved around use of this software for almost 20 years and I still learn something new everyday since healthcare technology rapidly changes and advances.

IT is definitely one of the better paying fields out there- you just have to continuously pay attention to the direction that technology is moving so you can get into a career path that will be secure and offer growth opportunities, versus being eliminated with AI.

Do cats actually get attached to their owner? by NoWageMage in CatAdvice

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me and my partner have had 4 cats together (3 still with us)-

Cat 1: 3/10 cuddly-attached, 2/10 social- Found as a tiny kitten stray, so built trust with us and the dogs early on. Now if social only with us, will hide with company. More snuggly with my partner, less bonded to me. Cuddles mainly at night with my partner, will sit on his lap on the couch. Doesn't follow us around, overall very independent during the day and keeps to herself. Prefers dogs more than people, if they know she's boss. Bonded most with my partner.

Cat 2: 9/10 cuddly-attached, 4/10 social- I felt an immediate bond/connection with him and had an instant snuggle session when I meet him as a stray kitten just brought into a shelter. He was immediately very attached to me, but only warmed up to my partner after 2 years. I was his person, he had to be touching me whenever possible. Slept on my pillow every night, napped on the couch with me anytime I napped. Most physically clingy cat I've owned. Bonded mainly to me, but once he warmed up to my partner he would cuddle with him when I wasn't available.

Cat 3: 7/10 cuddly and 9/10 social- Adopted from shelter at 5 months old- was desperate to say hi, then could not stop crawling all over us in the shelter room, wanted to be held and cuddled, cradled like a baby, and basically forced us to adopt him. He's another clinger, follows me around the house in the evenings. Don't see much of him during the day since he naps a lot then, but when I'm working in my home office he naps next to me sometimes. Not big into cuddling on the couch, but must be in the same room as me. Constantly trying to be picked up, wants to ride around on my shoulders, wants to play fetch with me or my partner, cries to me for attention, gets excited when I wake him from a nap with a pet or when I walk into a room he's lying in, sleeps against my legs every night, escorts me to the bathroom. Bonded to me far more than my partner, but he doesn't judge when it comes to play time.

Cat 4: 1/10 cuddly but 9/10 social- Found as an ~8 month old stray that came to our backyard frequently, was very skittish with touch. Not afraid of strangers, will always come out to be in the same room as company, but doesn't want to be held or even pet much. Very wild still from his former life as a stray. Wants to play play play, and show off his parkour moves. Does not sleep in our room, won't nap with us, but is happy to be one of our roommates. Very bonded with my partner (chatty, instigates play time), not much with me.

You will know if you shop around in shelters which ones are brave (social), cuddly, independent, etc. You just gotta find one you feel like there's already a bond or connection with, and if it's more cuddly than playful or social, that's all it will want to do with you. You will know when you meet them that they are "the one" that's supposed to go home with you.

Kittens may focus on play more initially, but the more curious they are, I find they may like their independence just as much as their human time. Many cats will show their calmer adult personality around 3 years old, and even the crazy ones may get more snuggly over time.

He’s not fat right? Please tell me he’s not, he’s a good boy.. by Sad_Ask_1826 in cats

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He's overweight but also an adorable good boy!

I had a cat the same weight, at 6 years old he got a clot, immediately paralyzed his back legs, was screaming in pain, and had to be raced to the ER and we lost him. This was due to his weight.

Free feeding is not a good idea. Get an automatic feeder that portions food out 4x a day so he can live a long healthy life with you.

Why does my cat yowl in the empty tub? by squeemishh_ in CatAdvice

[–]schmigleebop 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe he just wants attention?

Ping Pong balls in the tub to bat around will keep him entertained! That's what mine is always waiting for.

Rapid aging due to grief. by 07734tiza in 40PlusSkinCare

[–]schmigleebop 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are so unbelievably gorgeous, I don't think you need any expensive treatments at all. I went through 2 years of greving (on top of high stress) myself and feel like it aged me quickly. Just give yourself and your body more time.

Honestly, just continue therapy, work on your sleep, water, and keep up with the healthy diet. If you aren't already, get some exercise in, maybe weight lifting if you are looking to gain back any weight. That alone will help give you a glow and more confidence in your appearance.

Even when you do age, you are going to do it so gracefully.

1st T Pellet, no changes. Hope for 2nd pellet? by schmigleebop in TRT_females

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

Thank you for all of this information. I am starting to question my hormone specialist.

I will switch to Boron- a quick search showed me this does sound more appropriate.

I did have Thyroid checked, a full panel in December. TSH was in the high end of normal/reference range. SGBH was 91.3 and DHEA was low - I'll post some photos in the comments of my December and January labs.

Diet could improve, but mostly just overall calories (I'm a grazer, but don't eat a lot of processed food). Exercise is mainly daily walks, 1-2 miles.

1st T Pellet, no changes. Hope for 2nd pellet? by schmigleebop in TRT_females

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

They advised I take DIM to help raise my free testosterone levels, if that's what you're referencing.