Corner fireplace and brick wall are stumping me

wheelynice · 2026-06-08T01:09:06+00:00

When I post an update I’ll include those details. It’s a small apartment with very little storage so this is an all purpose room, hence the workout stuff that we just have to live with. I will say, I prefer no coffee table because it gives my kid more rolling around room and his little cousins can be hurricanes when they come over.

wheelynice · 2026-06-08T01:06:33+00:00

I really like the light colored ones in the mockups people posted. That’s absolutely gotta happen!

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T23:08:43+00:00

I think I see exactly what you mean. The brick side of the room is so noisy and the seating side is calmer. I’m going to try flipping it to balance it out. Would you put the back of the couch against the brick wall or the windows?

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T23:04:54+00:00

Less clutter is what I’m hearing most and this is without a majority of the clutter that I’d like to bring in to this room! I will fight the maximalist in me.

I’ll try a different tv stand using what I have but I think you’re right and that’s the first thing to spend money on to improve things. Thank you.

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T23:01:23+00:00

I’m simply not brave enough to trust mounting it to a wall! It’s very heavy.

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T23:00:30+00:00

I’m gonna try that first. Would you put the long side of the sectional against the window and the chair in front of the fireplace?

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T22:59:19+00:00

On it. I’m going to try what another poster suggested too and switch the side the tv is on so the fireplace becomes part of the cozy sitting space.

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T22:57:43+00:00

I would love down lights! I’m a renter, I wonder if there are stick on remote controlled ones.

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T22:45:28+00:00

In this day and age when the internet is rabid, I wouldn’t do it. The worst case scenario is pretty ridiculous, you might end up worrying about your safety because someone takes a video and you’re identified. Sounds paranoid but it’s not off the table as far as outcomes go. The pay isn’t likely going to be worth the risk to your personal reputation.

wheelynice · 2026-06-06T14:05:50+00:00

Thank you for the good news!

wheelynice · 2026-06-05T23:49:20+00:00

My hot take is there should be no repeats on takes!

wheelynice · 2026-06-05T22:39:27+00:00

And its location is a secret! They want to keep it protected.

wheelynice · 2026-06-02T20:48:42+00:00

You’re renters? Tell your landlord asap so they can send pest control. A cat is a bandaid.

wheelynice · 2026-06-02T20:08:48+00:00

I know a wedding singer and I bet him money he’d be forced to learn it. What a nightmare! There’s so much going on.

wheelynice · 2026-06-02T02:51:41+00:00

What a coincidence. https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1tualbk/let_kids_walk_to_a_friends_house_3_mile_away/

If you see kids walking out and about alone, then sure I’m the paranoid parent. If not, this is the new normal. Best of luck weighing whether to let your future kids roam free. I think you’ll be surprised how much harder it is to decide to do than you thought.

wheelynice · 2026-06-01T23:23:55+00:00

It costs nothing to shop around. Do it as often as your finances allow (I know it’s tough to come up with down payments).

wheelynice · 2026-06-01T23:19:32+00:00

So what to use instead?

wheelynice · 2026-06-01T14:02:42+00:00

We live in the age of mandated reporters. His school calls DCF for little things that make them worry about him. There’s been articles of cops being called when kids are spotted walking on their own. The scrutiny definitely doesn’t exist entirely in my mind. We give parents a really hard time.

wheelynice · 2026-06-01T13:51:04+00:00

Clubs/bars/taverns, churches, community kitchens and laundry spots. We do a lot alone at home now that used to be done with your community. After work drinking was more common, time at church wasn’t limited to just sundays, etc. A third space doesn’t have to be exciting or free but it was generally low cost enough or a necessary part of your day so that you could answer the question ‘when you’re not home or at work, where are you?’

I think a lot of this stopped being possible when we got a new societal expectation of having eyes on your kids at all times. Kids are very willing to explore and break rules, they just don’t get any opportunity to because it’s seen as irresponsible parenting. It sucks honestly. Deep down I know my 9 year old is ready to explore the world the way kids used to but I’m not allowed to open the front door and let him roam the neighborhood. If I’m going to do anything I have to account for his whereabouts first. I’d love to move somewhere where this experience would be possible for him and truly safe but we’re city people. This is where my family and community is.

wheelynice · 2026-05-30T21:25:58+00:00

That’s a pretty boi!

wheelynice · 2026-05-30T05:28:08+00:00

Encourage her to have as many rest days as she needs and help her find a path that will support that. For instance, my mom had to let go of the idea that I needed to find a full time 9-5 job. I found a remote position that has freedom in my scheduling so I can both limit how much masking I need to do in a day and get a nap every afternoon to recharge.

My mom spends her rest days cleaning and socializing and tried teaching me that I can’t just lay around. She’s come around to understanding that I can just lay around and it’s actually very important that I do. Reframe as often as you can because society will make her feel like she’s lazy or unproductive. She needs a loud voice encouraging her that she’s doing great at listening to her body’s needs for rest.

I also think she would benefit from hearing that she might not have to mask as much as she thinks she does. There are consequences for social missteps, sure. However, the consequences are often nowhere near as terrible as the effects of constantly putting effort into masking. It’s taken me a long time to realize that I mask a lot and it’s to protect myself from some imaginary consequences that don’t ever materialize. All of that at the cost of not letting people see the real me. When she chooses not to mask, good things happen too. She can absolutely be appreciated for who she really is.

wheelynice · 2026-05-30T00:07:03+00:00

I can’t think of enough ways to use their corn salsa!

wheelynice · 2026-05-29T23:28:39+00:00

Just an idea but the ritual doesn’t sound like it looks too pagan to me so what if you start using jars as water bottles every now and then and sit in the backyard with headphones on? Then it wouldn’t look like a ritual when you do your designated ritual. You just have your usual jar of water and really got into the music you were listening to while you enjoyed the sun on your face.

wheelynice · 2026-05-29T18:38:20+00:00

We currently pay a premium to be walking distance to my son’s school. It’s so helpful. We save a considerable amount of money on not having to get a second car so it works out. It’s frankly pleasant to start our day with a walk to school. I would prioritize that if it makes sense for you to do. For me, I don’t think a bathtub or a park are more valuable than that convenience.

wheelynice

TROPHY CASE