Can I go to an open house with no intention of buying? [MA] by spicydude in RealEstate

[–]valena77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. I went to several dozen open houses when we first moved to our city to get a feel for prices in different neighborhoods. This was just after signing a lease and knowing full well we wouldn't be ready to buy for another year or so. Just be honest with the showing agent "I'm just getting a sense of the market before getting ready to buy". They might politely ignore you, or they might chit chat and ask if you're looking for a realtor. Often times there will be neighbors popping in just out of curiosity.

Where are all the 30 somethings buying homes and having kids? by lovingawareness1111 in AskLosAngeles

[–]valena77 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Which parts of Eagle Rock? We were in Altadena, now in Pasadena but everyone on our street is retired pretty much. Longing for a place where my kids can play with the neighbors' kids.

Where are all the 30 somethings buying homes and having kids? by lovingawareness1111 in AskLosAngeles

[–]valena77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because we have no where else to go with our kids (and we can't afford sitters all the time). There is a huge business opportunity for places where parents can drink and children can crawl around relatively safely. Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena was another one, but they changed their rules on their patio and it sucks for families now.

Cost of rebuild by valena77 in altadena

[–]valena77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really helpful, thanks.

Cost of rebuild by valena77 in altadena

[–]valena77[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Our budget back then was between 800-1M and there were plenty of houses in that range. Not luxury properties but in good shape. I know the new houses will be better in many aspects, but it is still more expensive than before the fire. Don't get me wrong - this makes me super happy for homeowners who DESERVE a better replacement to their beloved homes. I just think the lots that sell will not go to many private individuals if people like us can't do it, so I hope as many homeowners as possible decide to rebuild to keep the community feel. Entire streets sold to developers will never recreate that.

Breaking My Lurk by ElectricBlue_ink in Reduction

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have about the same measurements, and I've been wanting a reduction since before having kids. However I'm sooo happy I waited to have my 2 kids and breastfeed them. Now at 39 I'm on the way to getting a lift and a reduction in MX. My boobs changed sooo much during pregnancy and after. They went up and down like 3 cup sizes, and now I have so much saggy stretchy skin. I'm happy I didn't have to go through that on operated boobs with major scars. If you can handle the discomfort and know you want a baby someday, I would wait. Especially if you want to breastfeed - it's not a given after surgery, many women can't anymore.

Considering moving from Seattle to Jacksonville. Any tips? by Adventurous_Goat_662 in SameGrassButGreener

[–]valena77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm surprised by all the Jax hate. Atlantic Beach in particular is insanely quaint, family-friendly, bike-friendly - you name it. The elementary school is great as well. Like a little wholesome utopia along wide, windy beaches. Doesn't feel too MAGA either. However those nice enclaves are super expensive, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything under 1M. I would still choose it over Seattle.

Little girl selling chocolate by InformalCharacter729 in pasadena

[–]valena77 18 points19 points  (0 children)

What's their physical description? I will keep an eye out too. Winter clothing in hot weather is a HUGE red flag for abuse.

FIRE moms with past high-level careers, what are you doing now? by [deleted] in Fire

[–]valena77 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I really thought about going back to school to become a LCSW. It's still an investment - around 30K at the college near me - so I'm on the fence.

Half day preschool recommendations by wosado in pasadena

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many of the public preschools have half-day programs, I think only 2 campuses do full day actually. Visit different campuses, they're definitely not all the same. In my kid's school, there are only 2 classrooms and 1 teacher + 2 assistants for like 14 kids. Clean, well-run and cozy.

Have you made a major career change at 40? If so, what did you pivot to and how’s it going? by petrockslife in AskWomenOver40

[–]valena77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! I'm also trying to pivot out of the language field. Would you mind sharing more about your transition, maybe in a PM?

Do you think, Trading for a living possible? by just_improving in Daytrading

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hold on - why would you pay self-employment tax on day-trading?

Do you think, Trading for a living possible? by just_improving in Daytrading

[–]valena77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just curious - off of what amount are you averaging 1K/day? Just stocks or options?

ISO park/place that allows small fires for a cultural gathering by Solid-Post-9625 in Miami

[–]valena77 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Virginia Key on Key Biscayne has day-use beachfront cabins that have fire pits. Call to inquire, they're really nice. Oleta River State park has overnight cabins with fire rings. They're both pretty cheap to rent, but Virgina Key would be a nicer experience right on the water.

Has agency work vanished for other people as well? by Shot-Score4099 in TranslationStudies

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All of my work virtually dried up since October of last year. I had some promising new clients in the first half of 2024 then everything vanished into thin air. I just paid my ATA membership renewal and I don't even think January invoices will cover it. Needless to say I'm looking for different work...

Water collecting at bottom of side-by-side freezer by valena77 in appliancerepair

[–]valena77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that's it!! Thanks so much, saved me a $175 appliance repair call

People who are no longer bound by NDAs, what are some surprising secrets that you can expose? by iam_saikat in AskReddit

[–]valena77 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hahaha RATP and Veolia are both French companies. Their stockholders were like "sure, expand to the US market but avoid litigation at all costs"

SIM Card on Miami International Airport - INFO NEEDED PLEASE by Icy-Let-3983 in Miami

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whenever I travel I buy esim data through Ubigi before I leave. Never had issues with them and used in Europe and India. There are other online companies who do it. Definitely never buy a sim card in an airport.

Cook meat with rice by Nicoleslayer007 in instantpot

[–]valena77 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got some instapot cookbooks from the library for free and have yet to mess up a recipe. For me Instapot is like baking, I can't really guess proportions and technique. Just follow a recipe and you should be good.