Weekday Randoms Pt 1 3/11-3/12

TalesOfASocialIntrovert

TalesOfASocialIntrovert

Anyone else feel like they got hit by a bus after daylight savings? Probably doesn't help that DD seems to be teething...

runsomewhere

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert don't hate me but I'm like the only person I know that cannot feel the slightest difference with daylight savings, I never can. The only difference for me is that it's dark again in the morning when I leave for work. 

DynamiteTrujillo

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert Haha! This has got to be my favorite GIF so far.

SmashJam

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert that gif is actual footage of me this morning. I just need an attitude adjustment. I don't think I would care about DST if it didn't throw DS off so badly, and therefore, me. I'm just in a foul mood!

hillbillywife

@runsomewhere I’m exhausted but I actually am grateful that it’s dark in the morning again. My DD was waking up at 6:30 every day last week because DS was being an elephant getting ready for school and she would see that it was light out and want to get up. She slept in today until her normal time because it was dark again. Hallelujah! 

ashbub714

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert I feel that way but I’m not sure if it’s bc of DST. I just couldn’t sleep hardly at all last night. And we were supposed to get all kinds of snow today so I had planned to work from home but none of it’s sticking so here I am at work shopping for baby and looking at nursery ideas on Pinterest lol

morethanamama

I do and it's because I was not tired at all last night. So I went to bed past midnight and the alarm this morning felt like it went off at 5, not 7:30...and I've just realized we're out of coffee...noooooo

moguippy

Yes!  We stayed up until 2 saturday putting together a dresser and watched the clock turn to 3am. Then yesterday I thought I was going to die of exhaustion

SmashJam

Hey just in case people are super bored with the product spotlight and not even opening the thread (as it seems we are, some of the topics are getting a lot less responses than the earlier ones) I did put something in their for a suggestion on anything you would like to suggest I jump to in coming weeks, or topics that you want to see that aren't on the spreadsheet. If y'all could just let me know if I should stop putting them up altogether, or suggest some topics you would more like participate in, that would be amazeballs!

zg49

@SmashJam I looked at the spreadsheet and I see many great topics coming up! (I didn't realize there was a spreadsheet lol) I'll post my thoughts on that thread to keep it all together!

purplepelican

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert

stlmegs

TalesOfASocialIntrovert said:

Anyone else feel like they got hit by a bus after daylight savings? Probably doesn't help that DD seems to be teething...

Me, this morning. 

WorkinWeezel

runsomewhere said:

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert don't hate me but I'm like the only person I know that cannot feel the slightest difference with daylight savings, I never can. The only difference for me is that it's dark again in the morning when I leave for work. 

Same

stlmegs

No hate but I am super jealous!!  My body is so sensitive to these changes!

acunamatada

hillbillywife said:

@runsomewhere I’m exhausted but I actually am grateful that it’s dark in the morning again. My DD was waking up at 6:30 every day last week because DS was being an elephant getting ready for school and she would see that it was light out and want to get up. She slept in today until her normal time because it was dark again. Hallelujah! 

DS woke up at 7:15 today instead of his usual 6am. I’ll take what I can get lol. 

purplepelican

@runsomewhere @WorkinWeezel

bearmomma1

I had just gotten to the point of not feeling 'hungover' when waking up, but this morning it hit me again: headache, groggy, nauseous....stupid time change...although I did love the later day light yesterday. 

wildtot

cranky toddler this morning. I don’t blame him DLS sucks! 

morethanamama

I caved in to some Nescafe that the inlaws used at their bnb when they were here a month or so ago. More than tolerable with some milk. Here's the size of my mug (normal mug for next to it for comparison)

SmashJam

DS fell asleep before I finished singing song #2 at naptime. Guess he's really feeling the time change! And the propane dudes are here and are totally gonna cause the dogs to bark...hopefully he sleeps through the 2 min of chaos they'll cause when they leave the bill on the door.

TalesOfASocialIntrovert

@SmashJam Could you distract the dogs from the door with treats? Ask them the sit, lay, whatever and just keep giving treats? That's how I distract my dog from something 

hillbillywife

@acunamatada little wins! 

@SmashJam fingers crossed! I hate that 2 minutes of chaos. 

ashbub714

+1 for distracting the dogs with treats! @TalesOfASocialIntrovert

My little one has been super active today. He was squirming around for a full 15 mins earlier and he’s still going on and off. That’s the most activity I’ve felt so far. I love it! Even if it tickles me sometimes lol

moguippy

Pregnancy brain strikes again. 

Walked up to copier and put original in.
Pressed copy.
Took original out and walked away.
Left the copy I just made in the copier. 

I'm glad no one was watching

paytonpedro

I’m sorry I haven’t been super active, I’ll contribute to the product spotlight post after this!!

this is going to be so long and I’m sorry, I just had to get it out somewhere. (I mentioned some of it in the mon ticker change also)

ive been so down and over whelmed. I feel like I’m drowning in this life right now. I’m usually not open about this but DH doesn’t give a sh*t so I have to vent somewhere. I’m a sahm and he’s a mail man. I work Saturday mornings receptioning at the Animal Hospital I’ve worked at for 5 years intermittently. I love it, but none of our parents are retired (all still young in 40’s & 50’s) so I have no child care during the week and I had to give my position up when I had my son 2 years ago. I dabbled in MLM but it’s just not for me, and I failed after a year. We make it by, but it’s tough. Some months are tighter than others (like this one) and it gets DH really stressed out, which I totally understand. DH wants me to go back to work, but I just don’t see how it’s possible. I’ve only ever worked In ffice settings so everything in qualified for is during the day. The amount that I would earn would literally go towards daycare and I just can’t see the point. Plus my DS is extremely intelligent and it kills me to think about having to put him in daycare. I really don’t want to, and I’m even considering homeschooling (given world events and personal preferences). I feel so stuck. There is nothing that I would want more than to help contribute to bills and I miss working during the week at the Animal Hospital. I’m just so overwhelmed with what I already have on my plate I just don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve considered working after DH gets home but some days it isn’t until 7/7:30 and by then I’m so exhausted and worn out all I want to do is curl up by myself and go to sleep. I’m not myself and my husband hates it but I just feel like he doesn’t understand. I get no help at home. At all. He showers with DS and that’s only when I ask him to. We also have 3 dogs and I have no clue what I’m going to do when this baby gets here. I’m having such a hard time connecting with this baby, and quite honestly, envisioning life with him here. I’m actually scared and dreading it. As much pain as my body is in, and will be in as I continue to grow, I just want to keep him in forever. When I was evaluated for my heart palps, the doctor told me I was stressed and I already knew that, I was just too ashamed to admit it. I hate to think what it’s doing to this baby and how it might effect him when he’s here. 

Anyone have REAL ways to make money at home that don’t involve a webcam? I’m so desperate. 

gingerbride26

@moguippy I forgot the parking ticket in the car at U/S today and had to go back after walking halfway to the door - I feel you.
@paytonpedro I haven't d one too much investigation into some of the money at home ventures.  I know people that do the direct sales thing like 31 and lipsense and swear by it, but totally hear you that the direct sales are tough and a gamble depending on which ones you do.  Not sure how your typing skills are - I hear a lot of need for transcription work but haven't explored it really - kept trying to get my mom to do it. I've also heard of services where you can sign up to be an online personal assistant, but haven't researched enough to point you in a good direction for which companies are better than others.

So my random...had my anatomy scan today - yea i know i'm July 31 so I'm one of the last.  Took 90 min because LO was uncooperative with these super Italian hands that kept waving and hiding everything they were trying to get.  Took 2 tech's and a dr but they eventually got almost everything.  They couldn't get a great spine shot, but they said what they saw looked good and since the blood work came back OK, even with the family history of spina bifida (my grandfather) they weren't worried.  I get to go back at 32 weeks for a follow up though thanks to my connective tissue disorder.  Had zero complications with DD and only interesting thing was her super fast birth, but since a big part of my condition has to do with tissue elasticity, being a second kid they worry about pre-term labor due to cervical instability or early dilation. At the check today though everything was high, long, and closed so yay.  I'll happily take another chance to peek at little one.

paytonpedro

@gingerbride26 thanks for the suggestions! I’ll see what I can find. At my anatomy scan (almost 4 weeks ago) they couldn’t get a picture of the spine either, so I have to go back this week. I was like well, ok! I don’t mind getting another peek at the baby!

TalesOfASocialIntrovert

@paytonpedro Girl, are we living the same life?? I previously worked as a hospital manager for an animal sanctuary and I left due to income vs childcare, especially once the second kid comes. (Also due to their lack of flexibility with a working mom, but that's a WHOLE other mess). Anyways, DH worries constantly about money too, though he's not suggesting I go back to work (we're both realistic about how much I can make, even with my experience and status as a Licensed Vet Tech). Even still, I check job listing a few times a month. I miss having a purpose outside the home even though I love my daughter beyond measure. I have a side business at home but it's just not the same as being valued and having adult interactions away from family. I know there are specialty animal hospitals around (though I don't know your specific location) that are open 24 hours a day. Could you work second or third shift one or two nights a week? It would give you some additional income but wouldn't cost anything in childcare. You'd also gain some sense of self back.

canucklehead123

Plus my DS is extremely intelligent and it kills me to think about having to put him in daycare

@paytonpedro I don't understand your perceived connection between intelligence and daycare... quality early childhood education is linked to really great health and life outcomes into adulthood. Do you not have quality facilities in your area?

flockofmoosen3

@paytonpedro I feel you girl on the work thing.
I find it very frustrating that good career jobs are not available for part time work. I would never do an MLM--imo they are mostly a scam unless you really put in full time effort and a super wide circle of family and friends since you have to recruit to make money, and who has time for that if you're trying to do it part time? Defeats the purpose.

Regarding finances, just generic advice for anyone is to really truly evaluate all of your expenses and income, monthly and make adjustments. Find out where you can cut expenses, even if only a few bucks at a time. There are families (with blogs) who make big money but only spend like $25-30k a year. They enjoy the challenge of living frugal and it isn't for everyone, and it depends on where you live too, but just saying it is possible to be comfortable and happy on a small income. We use YNAB to track every penny we get/spend and our finances have never been healthier.

It is an easy first step though, if work for you is hard to come by and your DH can't improve on his own income.

Re: daycare...I also nearly break even on income versus daycare costs, but it is because I want to work more than be a full-time SAHM. I only work part time. But I find it odd when ppl say they work full time to keep up with bills...but if your kid is in daycare how much are you really making? We also don't have any family nearby, so I totally feel you on that one. It could help to hire a mother's helper who you can get to know and maybe trust as a nanny to give you some time at the vet clinic during the day. 

And daycares can be places of learning, especially if they also do preschool. 

ashbub714

@paytonpedro I don’t have any good job suggestions (although you may want to look into a transcription position as @gingerbride26 suggested) but I just wanted to offer my support and good thoughts for you. I’m sorry you’re struggling right now and I really hope things get better for you soon. 

morethanamama

@flockofmoosen3 I think it all depends on how much you make. I make enough that I can definitely make a difference even with paying for daycare. The idea of adapting to a different lifestyle just so I can stay home full time is super daunting for me. I just don't feel comfortable having my husband being the sole provider, I find it risky to put all eggs in one basket, plus like you I enjoy working. Things may change when LO comes, but this is how I feel now.

@paytonpedro like someone mentioned there should be some transcription jobs available, usually they are for medical companies needing transcriptions of some medical records. Sorry I can't help more!

paytonpedro

canucklehead123 said:

Plus my DS is extremely intelligent and it kills me to think about having to put him in daycare

@paytonpedro I don't understand your perceived connection between intelligence and daycare... quality early childhood education is linked to really great health and life outcomes into adulthood. Do you not have quality facilities in your area?

I didn’t so much mean it like that and I absolutely didn’t mean it to be offensive. I just mean he is striving at home with me way more than his friends his age that go to daycare and I fear that with him being advanced he wouldn’t get the individual attention, like he does from me, at daycare. There are places like doodle bugs, which is a chain daycare center, but it’s $85+ per day for one kid. I would literally be breaking even. I’m sure there are better places but I would be paying over what I’m earning. Now with another child on the way, while they would be discounted, there is no way I could swing it. Even then, I more just don’t see the point. While I would love to return to my job, the position I left was filled and is no longer available for me. I wouldn’t be making any money after paying for someone else to care for my child, and I would rather just teach him at home than break even. 

paytonpedro

@TalesOfASocialIntrovert I love working in the vets office, and I’m glad I still get to do it Saturday mornings (when my mil watches DS). We have a couple emergency clinics in my area, two within 20 minutes from me. I worked at one for a year and ended up getting hurt (as an assistant lifting a massive Great Pyrenees on my own ) so I don’t think I would return to that one. I have given thought to working at the other one near me (who the vet I currently work for was administrator for for many years) but it scares me. My husband wants me to get a job like, now. Being pregnant, chasing a 2 year old and already not sleeping means I’m exhausted by the time my husband gets home and I honestly couldn’t even think about having to go to work right now. I think that is for sure an option, though, come September! I want to go back to work but with my previous pregnancy history and being taken out of work at 34 weeks for preterm labor, getting into something now scares me. Plus, while I know they can’t discriminate, I feel like I wouldn’t get hired brig only able to work a possible 4 months, but most likely less. 

He also wants me to go to go back to school and get a job making $100,000 per year while solely taking care of a newborn, a 2.5 year old, 3 dogs, a house and him. Mostly, I think I just feel sh*tty and inadequate because of his unrealistic expectations. The best part is both these kids and our situation was planned, not something that we fell into, but now it’s not good enough for him. 

paytonpedro

@ashbub714 thank you so much for your kind words! They really mean a lot to me. I thought about going back to school for medical coding- I’ll have to look into it more!! 

SmashJam

@paytonpedro first of all let me say that I understand what you are going through with the "drowning in this life." I was a working mom when DS was little and only recently decided to stay home full time and quit teaching. But life was so hectic at home I would sit in the driveway and cry when I got home because I hated going in. We had a hobby farm that DH gave up on so I did all the chores and work. Dinner was my responsibility because I got home first by a lot. Bathtime, bedtime, all me. We have four dogs, and taking them out morning and night...me, because I was home first and up first (animal chores). It left me no me time (I started getting up at 4am so I could workout and milk the goats and have coffee) and I was so incredibly frustrated with my life. That has nothing to do with money but I can relate to feeling like you are "drowning"...when I became pregnant the second time I had to sell all my animals because I couldn't do two kids and everything else!

It sounds like you are feeling torn about going back to work or not...on one hand you say you might homeschool and don't want to put DS in daycare or preschool but then you say you miss working during the week...have you been honest with yourself about what you REALLY want? When I was finally honest with myself I realized the idea of taking another teaching position right now made me physically sick...really. I couldn't do it, for many reasons. I always assumed I would go back quick and that I wouldn't like being home but I really do, and I value the experiences I have with DS and I want that with DS2! But being honest with myself about what I wanted really took the stress off of me...I realized if back in the day I had been this honest, I would have been happier quitting my job, staying home with DS and milking goats all damn day! lol. I do hope you figure it out, but know that you aren't alone in these feelings!

zande2016

@paytonpedro I'm having the stay at home vs work dilemma as well, but with my husband not me (I make/made more and have to work). He wants to work and is trying really hard, but I'm becoming more and more pessimistic that he's going to find something equal to or Better than the job he just left in terms of salary and benefits. If we didn't have so much stupid debt we could get by on my salary alone, but right now we're struggling so I think we need at least some income from him. No matter what I do I feel like we can never get ahead financially and I'm constantly worrying. I am also generally just feeling really down and depressed about the whole situation. I know it's not the same, because it's my husband going through it first hand and not me, but I'm still having a super tough time with it all and spent a lot of today crying (sleep deprivation is part of it too I think). I think for now he will make as much money as he can at night (he's always been in the restaurant business so that's easier than most professions), and we might take our son out of daycare. I like the above suggestion of working part time at a 24 hour vet, we have one by us and I know there are others in my area, so maybe worth checking out if you have one nearby. 

Re daycare, it's funny, my son goes 3 days a week and we might take him out completely for financial reasons, and I feel absolutely horrible about it. His language is blossoming and he has his little friends and I feel like it's been so wonderful for him. I feel like I'm failing him by taking him out. So basically I am having the opposite dilemma as you in that regard. I will admit when I first read your comment that your son is really smart so you don't want him in daycare, I felt offended. I know you didn't mean it that way, but it was my knee jerk reaction. I think my kid is pretty smart and daycare is definitely adding to it, not taking away from it. I hope if you end up putting him in, you can find a great place that adds to his intelligence. 

flockofmoosen3

@kissableviv I agree that changing one's lifestyle like I suggested is daunting and that's why most people don't do it. We started on the frugal path when I was still pregnant with DD1 just in case, and banked all of my income and lived solely on DH's. It was a good time to experiment since we had my income as a safety net if it didn't work. We aren't as strictly frugal now as we were but we still do pretty good.

It is risky to rely on just one income, but I couldn't support us for too long on my own anyway without our savings. DH makes so much more than me even if I work full-time. 

SmashJam

@flockofmoosen3 what are some of the frugal living blogs you mentioned? I am very curious I'm new to one income and its a big adjustment, I'd love to read how others do it!

stillcozy

my second fabfitfun box should arrive tomorrow yay!! so excited for it to arrive.