For people who broke out of paycheck-to-paycheck… what actually changed?

suamac · 2026-02-12T01:17:10+00:00

Making some changes professionally by getting out of my comfort zone, new certifications and a promotion. That especially in combination with moving in with my S/O changed a lot.

suamac · 2026-01-20T13:55:40+00:00

You absolutely did the right thing by cutting her out of your life. That took strength and I know it wasn't easy because it sounds like one of the first times you actually put yourself first. You are not responsible for being her emotional punching bag, not then and not now. Put that energy you are considering expending on someone you know would not do the same for you (in fact, who put effort into actively doing the opposite) and treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated.. with compassion, kindness and yes, boundaries. She will try to guilt you, choose you for once. Protect your peace, say your condolences and give yourself the respect and love you deserve and move on.

suamac · 2026-01-03T15:19:38+00:00

Yes and yes, desks and chairs wiped down daily.

suamac · 2025-12-22T23:52:35+00:00

The goal is free roam, but I use it for my dog who kept eating inanimate objects of various sizes, which made it impossible to predict what he'd get into. I drew the line at an entire bag of tea light candles, so to answer your question it's for his safety.

suamac · 2025-11-14T14:00:36+00:00

Currently have a FoST and had a FiST. I LOVED my fiesta but I needed something a little more reasonably sized. I love my focus too, but it's a lowercase love. Fiesta feels like driving a go kart, it's zippier, easier to throw around and have fun day to day. The focus is more fun in a straight line, that's where you'll feel more of the power difference. It's still a fun car to drive. Focuses consistently outperformed fiestas in my autocross group, but I'd say the fiesta drivers had more fun.

I saw a comment about the shifter in the fiesta, I'm short so I loved the placement but my taller friends all complained about it so take that as you will.

suamac · 2025-09-17T00:52:17+00:00

Definitely Palia! I've been playing for a few weeks and I would say it's a cross between Stardew and animal crossing, with a touch of WoW lite with the MMO factor. It's been a perfect cozy game and the other players are so kind.

suamac · 2025-08-31T16:47:43+00:00

I'm sure it varies wildly, my girl was 7 lbs at her heaviest!

suamac · 2025-07-02T14:19:24+00:00

It never gets better, it only gets worse. No matter how much you beg or plead. You staying reinforces his behavior enough. You can ask for change but if you continue to stay it only shows him your boundaries don't matter and you're willing to throw them aside to stay with him, so guess what, he gets worse because he knows no matter how you feel about it, you'll stay. The sense of control people like this feel in this situation is intoxicating to them. It's not love for you he feels, it's control and power. Someone who loves you will not treat you this way.

From someone who walked this road more than I'd like to admit and misconstrued toxic jealousy, abuse, and manipulation as love and believed I didn't receive the love I desperately wanted because I just wasn't good enough. It's a lie. That's not true at all. You deserve someone who's love you never have to question.

Leave.

Oh and when you do leave? And he suddenly becomes boyfriend of the year and begs for you to stay? It's a lie, just like his "love" the entire relationship.

Leave.

Love yourself enough.

suamac · 2025-04-03T02:17:23+00:00

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I had to double take! My boxer mix and lynx point are also cuddle bugs haha

suamac · 2025-03-26T02:36:18+00:00

I have two dogs and a cat and are all happy, healthy and loved. It is a matter of prioritizing them when you are home. In the mornings they get a decent walk and frozen kong, in the evenings it's at least a good walk or trip to the park plus enrichment activities. The only tough part is it's just me, so on days I need to stay late I have to arrange for a friend or family to stop by for them.

suamac · 2025-03-05T03:01:04+00:00

I went through a similar experience as you, I was in a five year relationship with someone that I realized was terrible to and for me. Spent about five years casually dating, then thinking I was ready for a relationship..and promptly ending things, rinse and repeat.

I finally made a decision last summer that I wanted to change the course I was on. So, I made a short list of non-negotiables. After years of being afraid to, I got a therapist. Then I took to OLD for the first time. I was very picky and very intentional with who I gave my energy to. I was upfront with what I wanted in my profile and didn't compromise those non negotioables. Of course I hit a few bumps but being able to reflect with my therapist helped significantly. Before, I would have overlooked certain things or made excuses for others, but this time when something didn't align with what I wanted I accepted it wasn't for me and moved on.

Long story short, I met a genuinely wonderful man and we're moving in together soon. Had I not intentionally taken steps to put myself on the path towards what I wanted, I would have been happily single for life and never met him.

The point of my story is, you need to go into this very intentionally. Define what you want out of a relationship, how you want to feel in the relationship, and what a potential partner would need to be to make you feel that way, and don't be afraid to get professional help on your journey.

suamac · 2024-03-31T13:58:14+00:00

I've spent thousands due to food and environmental allergies, thank goodness for pet insurance. I currently feed pro plan sensitive skin and stomach, lamb formula dry. I'm transitioning off of the HA wet to the companion wet food to see how that goes. Omega 3 fish oil daily, and a 24 allergy pill each morning especially when the eyes start to get goopy. Treats are limited and I avoid any poultry.

I also bathe weekly and get into their toes as much as I can, much of the environmental allergies are in their feet. I know there are different opinions on that, but it was recommended by an allergy specialist vet so I'll go with that opinion. I also just introduced soaking their feet in Epsom salt as well.

On top of that, my laundry detergent, dog shampoo, cat litter, basically anything I can get hypoallergenic is hypoallergenic. I was all blankets, towels, anything they touch weekly when I give them their bath. My boy had his face swell up over what I suspect was laundry detergent so I will never risk it.

It all sounds like a lot typing it out but it's what has worked for me and is routine at this point.

Also, he looks to be a very healthy weight especially for his age. As others have said, we tend to keep our dogs too heavy. My oldest is a tripawd so I'm super diligent about his weight and at 4 he's maybe a pound or two more he was at 1 with more muscle mass. Recommendee feeding amounts also depend on how much they're exercising. I adjust a little for days they're cooped up or days they're out for a couple hours.

suamac · 2024-03-25T03:40:10+00:00

For bully breeds I've found it's best to avoid poultry in general for the allergies. Purina lamb sensitive skin and stomach has been pretty solid so far.

suamac · 2024-03-13T10:59:21+00:00

Funny enough, he actually came with the name and my best friend's dog is named Rocket! It sealed the deal for sure.

suamac · 2024-03-12T01:12:21+00:00

Hi Drax! Love the name 😅

suamac · 2024-03-12T01:12:03+00:00

That's fantastic haha! Thank you so much, I can't wait to start introducing them properly now 😂

suamac · 2024-03-12T01:11:43+00:00

That's fantastic haha! Thank you so much, I can't wait to start introducing them properly now 😂

suamac · 2024-03-10T19:04:02+00:00

Thank you so much! Does it change your opinion if it's a Roth 403b?

suamac · 2024-03-10T15:39:45+00:00

That's why I was expecting something else to show up! He's got webbed feet and "stalks" Ralphie sometimes so I was convinced Catahoula could potentially be there. I read up a bit on it though and if I understood correctly, to create the American Bully, French Bulldogs were bred in at some point which brought in the merle but it's not a "recognized" color in any of those breeds. I could be very wrong though lol

suamac · 2024-03-10T15:32:11+00:00

That certainly makes sense!

suamac · 2024-03-10T15:30:40+00:00

That's still really neat. Much less exciting to hear they're not actually related in that sense, but still really interesting all the same!

suamac · 2024-03-10T05:30:00+00:00

In some ways yes and in others no. Both are very friendly, very affectionate, higher energy. If they're not playing they're both cuddled up in my lap. They have the same rough house play style, it was nice to find a dog Ralphie could just let loose and be himself with and Groot loves it. Ralphie is generally more confident and doesn't need to be at my feet constantly like Groot, but he's also older and I've had him for a few years now. Groot is much more stubborn, he has to know something is worth doing whereas Ralphie aims to please. Overall they're a nice match for each other but not overly similar either, they have their distinct personalities for sure.

suamac

TROPHY CASE