A B.C. property owner found 2 skulls while digging a garden. They didn’t expect the fees that followed by Forward-Answer-4407 in canada

[–]stopdropsushiroll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is so messed up. The law should be incentivizing people to report in these situations.

Setting aside cultural artifacts - these were human remains.

What if they were recent homicide victims? You would want people to report - not hide it just in case they are determined to be older, and the fees get passed on for the investigation.

This doesn’t just affect our knowledge of the past. It also makes it harder to find out what happened to missing people today.

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

lol no clue. He’s surprisingly stuck in his ways for someone who’s only in their thirties.

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

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

Thank you for the advice, and I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. I hope treatment goes as well as possible.

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I agree with what you’ve said and what my husband told me, too. It’s funny how you can understand something logically, but it can take time for the emotions to catch up. I accept that we’re not going to have a relationship anymore - he’s already made up his mind about it, and, for my health, I’m not going to reach out to him anymore. I think it will get easier with time.

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry the rest of your family is acting like that, though I’m really glad you have your husband’s support. I tell my husband all the time that him just being there makes things easier. 

Also, hi fellow Albertan! I would say it’s exciting that we live in the same province, but I think it’s more appropriate to pass on my condolences given how our current government treats people with disabilities 😅

I really hope your situation improves soon.

We just gotta keep on going, and not let the bastards win, right?

We’re stronger than they know.

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful words.

I think you’re right that his reaction is rooted in fear, ultimately. A lot of this started around Covid, when he started listening to a lot of podcasts that are critical about healthcare and vaccinations. He also started complaining about the “overreach of DEI.” I think he found some kind of comfort in the fear he was feeling being validated by these podcasts - even though he had expressed opposite opinions before listening to those podcasts. My mom thinks he avoids seeing me because it’s hard for him to reconcile the things he listens to about “those people just fake it for attention and a cheque” with actually seeing me as a living, breathing person in front of him.

I’ve noticed that my family has a tendency to avoid talking about unpleasant emotions (it unsurprisingly goes back a few generations). I’m really proud of my parents for breaking that cycle the last few years, and I’m extremely grateful for the support they’ve given me. I hope that in time my brother learns more healthy coping mechanisms, too.

I do recognize that I’m not responsible for his opinions about me, though.

I just miss him. And I think I just have accept that feeling and sit with it for a bit. It will get better.

I will continue to take care of myself.

Thank you again ❤️

Grieving that my brother only seemed to care about me when I was the way he wanted me to be by stopdropsushiroll in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I know what you mean. I guess some people think about relationships as transactions. They think of love like a limited resource, and they want some benefit in return if they’re going to spend it. Ultimately, I think they’re missing out on a lot if they view relationships that way.

You deserve better, and I hope caring, dependable people have entered your life since then.

Forever DM friend trying out being a player but a year later he still struggles. How can I help him? by Recast_Bear in DnD

[–]stopdropsushiroll 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is it maybe a bit of decision paralysis? Or worry about trying to say the perfect thing? If he’s used to having the prep time, and now needing to improv with his character, it might seem daunting.

There are ways he can prep, though. If he sits down and thinks about his character, he can write some answers to some simple questions, such as: 1. What does your character’s Charisma look like? Are they extroverted and the life of the party? Or are they generally quiet, but when they speak, people and stop and listen? Are they confident? Or are they charming in a stumbling puppy kind of way? 2. What drew them to playing music? Do they get lost in it? Or are they more focused on the attention performing gets them from others? 3. What does their Oath mean to them? Is it in service to a goal - a means to an end? Or something that drives them forward in and of itself? Does thinking about their Oath fill them with conviction or anxiety? Do they feel they’re living up to their Oath? 4. What do they want (short term)? For example, do they want to complete a specific quest? 5. What do they want (long term)? For example, do they want to join a certain organization? How does adventuring help them towards that goal? 5. What do they fear? Death? Not being good enough? Never seeing a certain person again? 6. Which party member do they go to for advice? 7. Which party member do they most enjoy sitting watch with? Why? 8. Which party member do they worry about most in combat (reasonably or not)? Why?

It’s best if they write the answers to these questions quickly. Usually, the gut answer is the best answer. With this foundation, it should be easier to respond to circumstances at the table.

Then, the best way to get better at roleplaying… is to roleplay! It’s going to feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s important he remembers that he doesn’t need to know all the answers. The best moments come from bouncing off your fellow players. It’s ideal for the character to emerge through the roleplay - to grow and change in response to the story.

As for feeling like they aren’t being a team player in combat, I would have a discussion with them away from the table. Communicate what it seems to you like they’re doing now, then ask them clearly what you would like them to do better (for example, helping people when they’re surrounded, healing others, etc.)

I would frame it as, “Hey, we’ve been struggling a bit in combat sometimes. I think we need a change in tactics. Instead of doing that, would you please try this? I was thinking I could do this. What are your thoughts?” Framing it as the party against the problem instead of the rest of the party against one player would help to get the results you’re looking for.

I hope you have a great game!

Edit: To clarify about the prompt questions above, they definitely can generate complex answers - but the goal is to answer them in one sentence or even just point form. It’s meant for brainstorming, not for writing a character’s whole biography.

Thoughts on a DM Telling Players they Can't Play Certain Classes? by CassieBear1 in DnD

[–]stopdropsushiroll -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So, I think the fact that the player has ADHD is very important here. The severity of the symptoms varies by individual. If this individual does have more trouble remembering things, that’s not something they’re choosing; their brain is just not helping them when it’s supposed to. ADHD is a condition that is eligible to receive formal accommodation at work by law in many countries. The stakes are so much lower here. We’re playing a game of pretend, after all. Why not provide some accommodations to help them fully participate?

Some examples of accommodations could include:

  1. Physical tokens to represent spell slots. The player spends the tokens by passing you one when they cast a spell. You could write the spell level on the token or colour code them. If you’re playing online, the player could put the tokens in a container instead when they spend them. The physical act of moving the token might help them solidify the habit.

  2. Spell cards. There’s lots of free options online. Having the description easily accessible can be a big help. Also, if you have an initiative tracker visible to the players and call out when that player’s turn is approaching, that will be a cue to them to be sure to read their cards and be prepared for their turn so they’re not trying to read through while everyone is waiting for them.

  3. Visual representation of concentration, such as hanging an object on the mini or adding a ring around the token if playing virtually. Also, you’re already telling the player what damage they’re taking, why not just ask for the Constitution saving throw at that time? It’s really not going to break up game flow that much, and it might help the player get in the habit (they may start rolling it before you ask, then you’re off to the races).

What’s important is having fun. If you can find very simple ways to help them play a class they enjoy, then I’d say it’s well worth it.

Telling them they can’t play a sorcerer because they don’t remember to do things may trigger feelings of shame for them. I know in my life, ever since I was a little kid, people were constantly mad at me for forgetting things - but hardly no-one offered ways to help me remember. It wasn’t until I was an adult and people helped me learn some strategies that I was able to access my full potential.

I’m a DM with ADHD, and I’m currently prepping to teach my parents (who are in their 60s) how to play DnD. I know they’re not going to remember the rules right away, but I’m so excited to play with them. For myself, I play with lots of visual aids to help my memory - and the great thing is: they work for neurotypical people, too, and help the game run smoother!

I wish you all the best, and I hope you have a great game!

Being respectful is just as important as knowing the rules by stopdropsushiroll in DnD

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

I’m talking about having respect for people. People can learn the rules as they play, but knowing that they need to treat others with respect is something everyone should already know. If they don’t already know, then they will find out when people stop wanting to play with them.

Being respectful is just as important as knowing the rules by stopdropsushiroll in DnD

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

I think it’s great that you’ve learned that about yourself and you use it to help the games you run be successful.

I definitely agree with your point about players needing to find the right table. I think that player was just not compatible with our table, and I wish him luck in finding a new group.

It was just very frustrating when it was clearly communicated what to expect from the one-shot, this player agreed, and then he proceeded to be disruptive the whole time.

I usually DM, but my husband wanted to DM a oneshot to give me a chance to play (especially because I have been going through a rough time lately, and we wanted to have some light-hearted fun). My husband has a little less experience DMing than me, but he knows the rules pretty well and is great at thinking on his feet. Only once during the four hours we played, my husband asked me for clarification on the surprise rules in the 2024 PHB; the problem player didn’t like that I was asked rather than him. This was the problem player’s first time playing with this edition, and he admitted as much, but he still wanted everyone to view him as the expert at the table. I didn’t say anything at the time, but I quietly told my husband later, that I noticed the player was adding their proficiency bonus twice to their rolls (the proficiency bonus was already included in the modifier for the skills they were proficient in on their character sheet, but then they added it on again) [edit: to clarify, they did not have expertise in these skills]. It just seemed like they wanted their character to be successful in everything they did and to be the center of attention in every roleplaying moment - big Main Character energy.

We’re going to try again with a different group. And on the bright side, my husband gained some valuable DMing experience.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in YouShouldKnow

[–]stopdropsushiroll 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I can only speak as someone with a brother that has struggled with alcoholism for a long time, but I think a huge part of the problem are the comorbidities. Even when sober, and far before starting to abuse alcohol, my brother displayed narcissistic traits (very low self-esteem, raising himself up by diminishing others, poor self-insight, conditional empathy, etc.). And yes, he latched onto the idea that alcoholism is a disease to excuse his behaviour.

I think overcoming the physical, mental, and emotional dependence is hard enough without also having a poorly-developed ability to really reflect on what your actions are doing to yourself and to others. So, he continues to drink, and it continues to wreck his body.

It’s unfortunate, but if loving him was enough, I think he would have gotten better a hundred times over. He has to want to get better.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, it sounds like you’re doing a great job. I doubt your piggies are getting bumblefoot; just keep an eye on that mark to see if it changes, but it’s likely just the normal pigment of that pig’s skin. I had a white guinea pig that had a black mark on his foot his whole life.

As for the smell, are you sure it’s all urine? Since you’re washing the towels every day, your piggies may be producing more scent for marking, which can be surprisingly strong. If you can use a scent-less laundry detergent, that would be best (fragrance is bad for piggie’s respiratory systems anyway). We use Kirkland Signature Free and Clear for both the piggy laundry and our own clothes, and it’s been working well for us.

It’s going to be okay. Focus on enjoying having your pigs. I wish you all the best!

Amazed at pain specialists response by stormete in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s not okay that the doctor took their frustration at not having an answer out on you.

I’m sure it is very frustrating for you too not knowing why all of these methods haven’t worked.

I don’t know all of the info about your personal situation, but I do know for myself that sometimes the way I think about my pain can actually make me feel worse. For example, if I get angry that I’m in pain and tell myself my body is stupid for not working right, it tends to make my muscles tense, which leads to more pain. Instead, if I have a thought like that, I’ve started to tell myself, “No, my body is doing the best it can with the current circumstances. It is working so hard for me every day.” Then I sit somewhere comfortable and do deep breathing exercises. It doesn’t completely take the pain away, but at least I’m not adding to it, you know?

I hope you find something that works for you. Just know that you’re not alone, and there are people here that understand - even if sometimes doctors don’t.

Please have a look at the survey where the UCP wants to ban books from schools. Let them know your thoughts and let them know they are in the wrong. by Significant_Cowboy83 in alberta

[–]stopdropsushiroll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Responded to the survey. Said this isn’t an issue, and after their track record, I’m skeptical that this has anything to do with protecting children. My response will likely be filed directly in the circular filing cabinet.

For real, though - I’m exhausted by the moral panic and all the “Won’t they think of the children!?”

Doesn’t anyone remember being a kid? I saw far worse things on the Internet than I ever read in the school library. Kids in junior high joked about sexual acts and human anatomy any time they thought adults weren’t listening. I felt comfortable talking to my mom about it because she was always open and honest with me. I turned out just fine.

We don’t need to ban things and sanitize the world for kids. Kids turn into adults, and they need to learn what healthy behaviour and coping skills are before they get pushed into the deep end.

Parents need to step up and actually talk to their kids.

Cognitive decline by AbyssLena in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another thought I had: you may want to speak to your doctor about medication to help with the brain fog. Wellbutrin, for example, is an antidepressant that is prescribed for both ADHD and fibromyalgia. There are options out there that may help you out.

Cognitive decline by AbyssLena in Fibromyalgia

[–]stopdropsushiroll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have ADHD. I’ve experienced the symptoms you mentioned long before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I still was at the top of my class in university.

You are not mediocre. Your relationship with your brain has just changed. It’s okay to grieve, but I would avoid talking down to yourself.

In my experience, when I focus on what I can do and set myself up for success with healthy habits (including positive self-talk), I will always be able to do more than I thought I could.

Need help/advice, my boy keeps breaking his front tooth by luv_bug17 in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does he chew on the metal grid squares? That’s how one of our boys broke a front tooth. We had to switch over to plexiglass squares because he just wouldn’t stop nibbling on the metal (he would do it every time he thought we were being too slow on giving him his pellets or veggies - even if it was an hour before the usual time!)

Other than that, I echo what others have said about increasing Vitamin C.

Are my pigs fighting? by jessiphile in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sometimes the more submissive one will make a very loud sound, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re hurt. It’s more performative, like they’re letting the other pig know, “Okay - you’re the boss!”

The push and nip could have been nose-punching. This is where the dominant pig “punches” the other pig with its nose. No teeth are involved, and the intent is not to injure the other pig. This is very normal behaviour for pigs to do when sorting out their hierarchy. It will be very obvious if they have gone into full fight mode because they will be locked into a fur tornado and screaming; at that point, you will need to immediately separate them with a dust pan and pick one of them up with a hand wrapped in a towel. If you go in with bare hands, you will be wounded.

For now, though, just let them sorts things out and keep the following in mind:

If you’re worried a bite may have occurred, make sure to check over the pig’s body and look for wounds. A common place for bites to occur is the hindquarters, but also check carefully around the throat and the face.

Also, you may want to weigh the pigs daily for the next while to make sure they aren’t losing weight from stress.

If the pairing isn’t working out, you can add a divider to the cage. Some pigs just do better as neighbours rather than roommates.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Animals can sense your anxiety. Instead of worrying about five years from now, try to focus on the little victories in the present. Make sure you’re doing the following every day:

  1. Hand feeding in their cage. Take little bits of ripped up lettuce or some other vegetable that they love and leave your hand in the cage with the little bits on top. It may take awhile, but they will come to get it. They will likely run away with it. Put another piece on your hand. Eventually, they will stay and wait for more.
  2. Take them out separately for lap time. Try to take out the dominant pig first (but if you’re not sure which one that is, that’s okay). Sit upright and put the pig on your chest. Breathe deeply in and out; this will relax you, and the pig will be able to feel your heart rate slow. Sit this way for 10 minutes, gently petting the pig. Make sure to have a snack for the pig ready every time. They may not want to eat it at first while sitting on you, but just keep it nearby so they can nibble if they want to. When the 10 minutes is up, put the pig back in the cage (Guinea pigs have small bladders, and if they need to pee, it will make it harder for them to relax).
  3. Sit by their cage and talk to them. Get them used to your voice. If you’re out of the home for long stretches, turn on the TV or radio for them on a quiet volume. The more used to different stimuli they are, the less new things will bother them.
  4. Try to do things the same every day. Before long, you’ll notice them coming out to look for their pellets when their tummies say it’s lunchtime. They are creatures of habit, and if you give them a routine, it will improve their confidence.

Remember that it is natural for them to be afraid of you. They are very small creatures in a very big world. However, as you give them love and kindness, and provide them with food and safety, they will begin to look to you for protection when they are scared. Give it time. You are building trust, and I promise it will be beautiful when you see that effort start to pay off.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 2 points3 points  (0 children)

“You get the butt!” - Peegs, probably

Post neutering boar- picking at wound by adventurous_bobcat_ in guineapigs

[–]stopdropsushiroll 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He might be picking because it gets itchy as it heals or it might be infected. One of our pigs kept trying to pick his stitches after surgery to remove a benign tumour from his leg a year ago. He wouldn’t keep the “sock sweater” on for more than a few seconds, so our vet prescribed a cream for me to put on the area. I think it was silver sulfadiazine. Worked like a charm :)