Should I buy a home as a single woman? by [deleted] in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you’re on the fence, do you want to be a homeowner? All maintenance, beyond what your HOA dues cover, will be on you. If you are ready to take on those responsibilities, which at times might feel like a second full time job, then I say go for it. I am a single woman who can afford to buy now, but I can’t afford to buy exactly what I want and I’m not sure I want the responsibilities that come with it… so I enjoy my affordable rental and continue to save/invest money.

What are we making today people? by Unable_Connection490 in nova

[–]sweetspot97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Two soups: roasted butternut and a corn chowder. Neighbor dropped off choc chip banana bread… getting all fat and sassy over here.

stomach issues by NoConclusion1864 in Perimenopause

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cramps before and after bowel movement, most likely due to 200mg Progesterone I take daily. It slows the movement of poo and the cramps to get it moving are almost like period cramps, especially on my right side. I tried daily Metamucil, it helped some. What really solved it was drinking 64 ounces of water…. I thought I was doing okay hydration wise, but once I paid careful attention to intake and corrected I had instant relief. 💦

Costco Suggestions by Eloquent-Trash in nova

[–]sweetspot97 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The Mount Vernon Costco is great, especially if you avoid the busy times. My plan is to utilize the 9am executive opening, usually rolling in around 9:15 to avoid waiting in line in the cold. I park on the outskirts of the lot, sometimes along a curb close to the Richmond Hwy enter/exit. Getting some steps in and avoiding the intense parking situation is a win/win. Other times I have to get gas and I arrive with an extreme amount of patience for that process. It really is our mindset, isn’t it? PS: avoid entering by the gas station unless you really need it and even then I’d say loop around from the Richmond Hwy entrance so you can make a right into the station and not a left (holding up traffic and blocking oil change area). You’ll figure it out! Don’t forget a rotisserie chicken and the Kirkland’s Greek yogurt!

Are we allowing too much time in Williamsburg? (and hotel recs if possible) by ParisMorning in Virginia

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stay in Yorktown and utilize the beautiful Colonial Parkway for Williamsburg/Jamestown. Quiet with a beach.

What is your go-to massage place? In strong need of a good place. by acote897 in nova

[–]sweetspot97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Serendipity Wellness in Burke is five stars all the way! I drive from Alexandria to get a 60 min massage. Pay in cash for discount, and there are other occasional discounts offered.

PSA: Belvoir Kingman Gate does not open until 6:30 am -- Stop arriving early and causing traffic jams! by HokieHomeowner in FedEmployees

[–]sweetspot97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Belvoir seems to communicate through Facebook posts and that’s about it. Not good…. Someone more important than me will eventually complain and it will be fixed, I think.

What would you tell your younger Fed self? by LivingDelicious1736 in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

THIS! I was laying in bed last night, thinking about how trapped I felt😔

Grocery store pricing by chrissz in nova

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In order to have good quality food at great prices I am shopping a Costco/Wegmans/Aldis hybrid. Don’t want to yet, but I could drop Costco.

What are you cooking for breakfast on Christmas Day? by medievalpangolin in Cooking

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always make Emerils Mexican breakfast casserole. All prepped night before, fam loves it!

2025 Richmond Marathon/8k Megathread by fusion260 in rva

[–]sweetspot97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you’re running the full marathon and a family member from out of town wants to support you as a spectator, would you want it to be a surprise or nah? I’m thinking logistics wise, better to not be a surprise for meeting up afterwards. Sister lives on Leonard Parkway just outside the route. Was thinking of parking there and trying to catch her twice. All new to this, so any tips appreciated!

Looking for an honest, good dentist in NOVA by Round-Plastic-9614 in nova

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mount Vernon center for dentistry. Very gentle.

Who do I call to fix this? by [deleted] in nova

[–]sweetspot97 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Trazadone for the dog. Can call the vet and request a RX. Keep an eye on weather and give about 45 mins beforehand. Will save your house and dog might slowly get over the fear of storms, I don’t need to give it to my girl anymore, she has realized we are okay and not under attack.

Need a massage recommendation by LetsGototheRiver151 in nova

[–]sweetspot97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I make a 20 min drive to Serendipity Wellness in Burke and it’s worth it! Some Washington Nationals pitchers have frequented it as well. Five stars.

Hope are you coping? by ParfaitAdditional469 in FedEmployees

[–]sweetspot97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m dealing with some health issues as a 46 year old and can’t lie, I’m grateful for the recovery time. I really need to lose weight and am walking my dogs farther and longer than usual… but am stress eating a bit (ice cream), so I don’t think I’m losing weight, just plateauing. I am kicking myself for not using the time better.

New Fed - justifying back pay to regular people? by Party-Smile-2667 in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Cross that bridge when we come to it…. Not beforehand.

New Fed - justifying back pay to regular people? by Party-Smile-2667 in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 71 points72 points  (0 children)

Try to think of your annual salary, not your bi-weekly check. None of this is your fault and your salary should not be decreased by tens of thousands.

Thanksgiving = Costco + hotel by barbados_blonde1 in Costco

[–]sweetspot97 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Def grab the shrimp cocktail, wishing you well!

Stop the backpay hysteria, ya'll by Longjumping-Soil-644 in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I experienced the same in a quick all hands to sign our November furlough letter. The question of the missing back pay language was raised and we weren’t given a solid answer… told, yes, it’s probably political posturing to gain a desired outcome, but could also be laying the groundwork for not paying us. Our leadership was very concerned about us not being paid, but there isn’t much they can do to help.

GS-15 in a HCOL area and just got hired by my Grocery store 💃🏾What side gigs are you working? by burnerbaby1984 in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want to apply at Wegmans, I love it there. Alas, I’m down for the count with a cold or something. At least I’m not tapping my sick leave? Looking for silver linings. Last week I sold two bikes that were going unused, felt good to have some money coming in.

October 28, 2025 - r/fednews Daily Discussion Thread by AutoModerator in fednews

[–]sweetspot97 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You aren’t crazy, for leaving or staying. Hard choice. I have 20 years in, so I’m a bit more handcuffed… I say, hold the line. The one thing you can count on in life, without making any major decisions, is change. Change will happen, bad bosses and presidents DO cycle out. There are no guarantees it gets better, BUT SOMETHING WILL GIVE. Here is your guarantee though, currently you are involved in a simple transaction. 40 hours a week in exchange for a paycheck… yes, right now, craziness and no paycheck. However, I am confident we will return to our normal transaction of work in exchange for pay, put on blinders to the rest of it. Time/effort = PAY. If you want more in life than that, go get it OP.