FFFC

Stasi · April 2014

My FFFC:

I refuse to ride on any Metra train car that has a bathroom on it (like every other car). I'll even stand for 30 minutes if I have too, but I will not ride anywhere on the train car that has a bathroom. Sometimes people go in there and when they leave, they don't shut the door all the way. All the other passengers just let the door hang open...you can see right in there, it's so gross!

tinyhumantoe · April 2014

W hated chuck e cheese, and we bought a bazillion tokens. I'm pretty impressed with how good I am at those games, SUCKERS.

tinyhumantoe · April 2014

I don't think a video monitor is anywhere close to a "need." I consider "needs" to be synonymous with 'basic needs' and 'absolute necessities.' That said, there are a ton of things I don't consider 'needs' that would be awful to go without for basic daily functioning of my household, and I don't give a shit what other people spend their money on, truly. I really don't.

Holly_1007 · April 2014

I've never brought my kids to chuck e cheese. I don't think they are missing out on anything.

BeebopandBuddy · April 2014

Holly_1007 said:

I've never brought my kids to chuck e cheese. I don't think they are missing out on anything.

I don't plan on telling my kids that Chuck e Cheese exists. It's so germy and loud and gross. Yes, they will find out from their friends and that's fine. I'm sure we will have to go eventually, but I'm not bringing it up.

hmp1 · April 2014

This time last year, I was hating on jorts - all jorts. This year, I am loving longer cutoff jean shorts on my boys. Leo is wearing some today and I might just start chopping up their old jeans.

MarisaKathleen · April 2014

hmp1 said:

This time last year, I was hating on jorts - all jorts. This year, I am loving longer cutoff jean shorts on my boys. Leo is wearing some today and I might just start chopping up their old jeans.

jean shorts on little kids are adorable.

cut off jean shorts on my FIL are not.

his shorts look like 1993 basketball shorts. they're that short. it makes me want to cry.

hmp1 · April 2014

Holly_1007 said:

BobKat22 said:

Our video monitor is on the fritz. We have had it for almost 5 yrs . I want to ask a question about a new one but I feel like everyone will judge me for spending money on something like that (I'm having some major insecurity issues)
I just read three Summer Infant models were recalled for the same reason I called a requested a new one last year. The handheld monitor is overheating. I knew I wasn't crazy!

yes, ours is on the recall list. But it is also just old. I can't turn off the video setting because Colby broke the button, so it stays on all night. That thing is bright! The problem I'm running into is that I have cameras in both boys rooms, and I'm not sure where to start looking for a similar system.

Is that the only problem with it? I keep mine on all night (two actually because I have a different one for each room) and just put them face down when I go to sleep. I pick it up if I need to look at them in the middle of the night which is easier than feeling for the button.

L8kissie · April 2014

I love the comparison quote. To prove how true it is, I'm now fixated on cheese's $150k for a house. Holy heck that is so much more reasonable than what we paid. So Cal prices suck, but this is where dh's job is. (although I don't envy the weather issues that you face)

redneckmomma25 · April 2014

hmp1 said:
This time last year, I was hating on jorts - all jorts. This year, I am loving longer cutoff jean shorts on my boys. Leo is wearing some today and I might just start chopping up their old jeans.

such a hypocrite

redneckmomma25 · April 2014

I have a video monitor on and an audio because my video has no sound.

hmp1 · April 2014

MarisaKathleen said:

I think video monitors are stupid. Even with having the new baby on a different floor than us, I still wouldn't fork over the money for it.

My FFFC is that I've eaten pizza for the last 3 meals in a row. I love pizza. Seriously, I could eat it for days on end.

I had no desire to have one until we were getting ready to move James out of his crib. I do really like having one now but I went 2 years without and really it is a nice to have not a need to have item.

L8kissie · April 2014

I thought they were totally dumb too, but we got one at bru free with purchase of other stuff I needed (wanted) anyway. It has helped a lot with the anxiety from ppd and it helps monitor my 5 yo that won't stay in fing bed. I totally changed my view on them.

hmp1 · April 2014

BillyMollyEmmy said:

While we're talking about houses/finances:

I never feel like keeping up with the Jones - or whatever that saying is. I like my small house and my used car. I don't care if the neighbour leases brand new cars every six months. I also don't care if they live in a 10 bedroom mansion. I like my life and I don't care if everyone thinks I live this way because I have no money. I live quite comfortably. I've never quite understood the premise of keeping up with your neighbourhood. Who cares?

Edit: Just to add a little more to this... I highly doubt anyone is going to be at your funeral thinking, "Jeez, it's a shame Bob is gone. He had such a huge house and fancy car. We'll miss him."

One of my big must haves when looking at houses is to be on the lower end of the neighborhood. I guess I prefer to be the poor of my neighbors.

Holly_1007 · April 2014

hmp1 said:

Holly_1007 said:

BobKat22 said:

Our video monitor is on the fritz. We have had it for almost 5 yrs . I want to ask a question about a new one but I feel like everyone will judge me for spending money on something like that (I'm having some major insecurity issues)
I just read three Summer Infant models were recalled for the same reason I called a requested a new one last year. The handheld monitor is overheating. I knew I wasn't crazy!

yes, ours is on the recall list. But it is also just old. I can't turn off the video setting because Colby broke the button, so it stays on all night. That thing is bright! The problem I'm running into is that I have cameras in both boys rooms, and I'm not sure where to start looking for a similar system.

Is that the only problem with it? I keep mine on all night (two actually because I have a different one for each room) and just put them face down when I go to sleep. I pick it up if I need to look at them in the middle of the night which is easier than feeling for the button.

no. Keagan shorted it out a few years ago, so for it to be on/charging it has to be plugged in just so at a certain angle, which means very subtle movements or else it shuts off. The battery lasts maybe 20 mins? Even though keagans room is well within the range, it loses his signal during the night 3 or 4x a week, so I wake up paranoid that he is laying in bed crying for me and I can't hear him.

L8kissie · April 2014

What about an audio one to help you get through? I've gotten those for $4 to $8 used and $10 new at Marshall's.

Holly_1007 · April 2014

L8kissie said:

What about an audio one to help you get through? I've gotten those for $4 to $8 used and $10 new at Marshall's.

oh I do have my SD's audio monitor somewhere! I think I put it away because it was interfering with the video, but I should try it again, thanks for the suggestion!

hmp1 · April 2014

watercolor5 said:

DH and I had an argument over buying DD a bed, actually bed linens, because he says I have quality standards on absolutely everything I buy. Which is sort of true... I like to ensure I get the best quality products for the price, and do a lot of research to make sure that's the case. I think our backgrounds can sort of strain things for us sometimes, because he was one of ten kids and his family scraped by more, and my mom was a doctor's kid, so was just used to living with better quality products.

I just don't know if there's a compromise to be had there...

James has ruined his PBK duvet by sneaking chocolate into his bed and I didn't find the stains until later in the week after I washed it. So in my case, it wasn't worth the money.

kelbel527 · April 2014

As we get closer to actually moving out of our house, I'm feeling a bit depressed. I think it would be different if we were going straight to our new house, but since it's still off in the future, I am just sad that I am leaving our house behind.

It's the only house my boys have even known. And I will probably cry when we move.

And then I realize it's dumb, and a material possession and that my boys are all coming with me.

BeebopandBuddy · April 2014

I never wanted a video monitor and all we had was an audio one for Maya. When we had Ethan I wanted a two-room monitor so we could monitor both kids. The only monitors that I could find for that were video so we got one. I was glad we had it once we put Maya in the bed so I can see if she gets out of bed. I really wouldn't go back now.

MommaP12 · April 2014

kelbel527 said:

As we get closer to actually moving out of our house, I'm feeling a bit depressed. I think it would be different if we were going straight to our new house, but since it's still off in the future, I am just sad that I am leaving our house behind.

It's the only house my boys have even known. And I will probably cry when we move.

And then I realize it's dumb, and a material possession and that my boys are all coming with me.

I could have written this. We lived in our condo 9 years! We got engaged in it, got married while living there, had two kids while living there. I sobbed the whole week and agree that I might not have been as bad if we were going straight to our new house, but since we're living with my parents, every night I miss that condo.

BeebopandBuddy · April 2014

MommaP12 said:

kelbel527 said:

As we get closer to actually moving out of our house, I'm feeling a bit depressed. I think it would be different if we were going straight to our new house, but since it's still off in the future, I am just sad that I am leaving our house behind.

It's the only house my boys have even known. And I will probably cry when we move.

And then I realize it's dumb, and a material possession and that my boys are all coming with me.

I could have written this. We lived in our condo 9 years! We got engaged in it, got married while living there, had two kids while living there. I sobbed the whole week and agree that I might not have been as bad if we were going straight to our new house, but since we're living with my parents, every night I miss that condo.

Our house is on the market and I am already having these feelings. It was our first house. We had our kids here. We love this house. If it wasn't in a crappy school district, we would stay here. Even though I know it's best for us, I will be so sad to move. I totally understand what you mean.

kdsmith43 · April 2014

I have my annual performance review in 10 minutes and I am so nervous. I am going to ask for them to bump up my position (more pay, job description better fits my duties), so FX for me please!

MommaP12 · April 2014

BeebopandBuddy said:

MommaP12 said:

kelbel527 said:

As we get closer to actually moving out of our house, I'm feeling a bit depressed. I think it would be different if we were going straight to our new house, but since it's still off in the future, I am just sad that I am leaving our house behind.

It's the only house my boys have even known. And I will probably cry when we move.

And then I realize it's dumb, and a material possession and that my boys are all coming with me.

I could have written this. We lived in our condo 9 years! We got engaged in it, got married while living there, had two kids while living there. I sobbed the whole week and agree that I might not have been as bad if we were going straight to our new house, but since we're living with my parents, every night I miss that condo.

Our house is on the market and I am already having these feelings. It was our first house. We had our kids here. We love this house. If it wasn't in a crappy school district, we would stay here. Even though I know it's best for us, I will be so sad to move. I totally understand what you mean.

If we'd had a 3 bedroom we'd have stayed forever. We actually had a great elementary school and great high schools (magnet for Chicago) in our area. Oh, I'm going to get sad now!!!

melody921 · April 2014

BeebopandBuddy said:

Holly_1007 said:

I've never brought my kids to chuck e cheese. I don't think they are missing out on anything.

I don't plan on telling my kids that Chuck e Cheese exists. It's so germy and loud and gross. Yes, they will find out from their friends and that's fine. I'm sure we will have to go eventually, but I'm not bringing it up.

One more reason to stay away: perverts.

hmp1 · April 2014

cheeseandrice said:

Holly_1007 said:

I've never brought my kids to chuck e cheese. I don't think they are missing out on anything.

nope. But you're missing out on Skee-ball!

We play skee-ball at the bowling alley and our local arcade. Both places much more fun for our family than Chuck-E-Cheese.

kelbel527 · April 2014

BeebopandBuddy said:

MommaP12 said:

kelbel527 said:

As we get closer to actually moving out of our house, I'm feeling a bit depressed. I think it would be different if we were going straight to our new house, but since it's still off in the future, I am just sad that I am leaving our house behind.

It's the only house my boys have even known. And I will probably cry when we move.

And then I realize it's dumb, and a material possession and that my boys are all coming with me.

I could have written this. We lived in our condo 9 years! We got engaged in it, got married while living there, had two kids while living there. I sobbed the whole week and agree that I might not have been as bad if we were going straight to our new house, but since we're living with my parents, every night I miss that condo.

Our house is on the market and I am already having these feelings. It was our first house. We had our kids here. We love this house. If it wasn't in a crappy school district, we would stay here. Even though I know it's best for us, I will be so sad to move. I totally understand what you mean.

I'm so glad I'm not alone in this! @MommaP12 & @beebopandbuddy

We're moving because we want more space and a different layout, so we only have ourselves to blame. But...I made babies in that house!!

My husband is no where nearly as attached as I am. I also just realized that this is the longest I've ever lived in one house my entire life. We moved around a lot as a kid, since my parents always rented.

pharmer78 · April 2014

Banich4eva said:

I ate a rather large (14oz) bag of sour patch kids in 48 hours.

By myself.

*STUCK- oh man, that is heaven. Sucks that it rips up/burns my mouth but I could eat them all day, everyday

MarisaKathleen · April 2014

@kelbel527, my parents sold our house when I was 21. Every time I ever dream about being "at home" I'm at that house. And it wasn't anything special, but I think I just associate so many memories and firsts to it. I lived with my parents until I graduated college at 23, but the condo never felt the same as my childhood home did. I completely get why you're sad.

What I don't get is why the hell this post is in bold, or why I can't fix it.

Hyaline · April 2014

LoisLayn23 said:

Holly_1007 said:

Our video monitor is on the fritz. We have had it for almost 5 yrs . I want to ask a question about a new one but I feel like everyone will judge me for spending money on something like that (I'm having some major insecurity issues)

Shop around for a model you like and then hit up your local consignment shops. I buy and sell a ton of stuff at ours and they only take the good stuff. I'm sure you can find a good model for a fraction of the price.

and don't be ashamed, a monitor is still a family need.

I didn't read all 7 pages to answer this, so sorry if this is repetitive:

Is a VIDEO monitor truly necessary for you? I'm not saying it isn't, but I know for a lot of people the video part was something they valued more for tinies than toddlers. We've only ever had an audio monitor and while, yeah, video might have been nice a couple times, it's really not a necessity for us. If it isn't for you, you can save a ton by getting a secondhand audio-only for a song.

BillyMollyEmmy · April 2014

MarisaKathleen said:

Also, my DH is completely incapable of managing money. The only debt we have is our house. In the last year we've paid off my car and my student loan. Yet he's still nervous about buying a new car (that we desperately need) and that we might not qualify for financing. Uh, FTR, our credit is fantastic. When DH and I got together, his credit was like a 4 due to his ex wife and her shenanigans. Now it's 720+. Mine is higher than his. Why would we not qualify for a car loan?!

This is one more reason I've suggested us having only 1 account, but the fact that I'd have to "share" money, or that he would see that I buy something online at least once a week really bothers me.

Being debt free is my dream. I'm almost there and I have no plans of stopping. Good for you!!!

BillyMollyEmmy · April 2014

I am super jealous of cheese getting a great house for $150K. Canadian housing prices are effing outrageous. $200K might get you something liveable, but probably only 3 bedroom, one bathroom and in need of upgrading from the 80s. We can't even afford to look at houses right now. Everything I fall in love with is $250K or more.

Hyaline · April 2014

MommaP12 said:

Holly_1007 said:

I applied for state health insurance and food stamps this week. I cried. I hate that we put ourselves in this position.

You are being resourceful to provide for your family during a hard time. You're a good mom and wife for taking care of this. I just wanted you to read that. Hugs.

I agree with this.

However.

If you feel cruddy, it's because the whole thing doesn't sit well with you. And you know what? That's ok. You feel you could have done things better. That's ok. You think you could have saved more and planned better. That's ok. We all make mistakes, and IT'S OK if you feel that mistakes led to this point, not just circumstances outside your control.

We talk about any negative feeling associated with poor financial situations as though that feeling itself is shameful. It's not. Wanting to be self-sufficient is not shameful. You make poor choices or get hit with things you don't expect, you struggle, you learn, you move on. Learning is valuable. It's ok. You're a good mom if you learn and make changes so that next time it's not a crisis, and you're a good mom for providing for your kids now.

Hyaline · April 2014

I had half a glass of wine with lunch because it paired so well with my leftovers. It would have been negligent not to have a little Sauvignon Blanc with last night's pasta.

BillyMollyEmmy · April 2014

Hyaline said:

MommaP12 said:

Holly_1007 said:

I applied for state health insurance and food stamps this week. I cried. I hate that we put ourselves in this position.

You are being resourceful to provide for your family during a hard time. You're a good mom and wife for taking care of this. I just wanted you to read that. Hugs.

I agree with this.

However.

If you feel cruddy, it's because the whole thing doesn't sit well with you. And you know what? That's ok. You feel you could have done things better. That's ok. You think you could have saved more and planned better. That's ok. We all make mistakes, and IT'S OK if you feel that mistakes led to this point, not just circumstances outside your control.

We talk about any negative feeling associated with poor financial situations as though that feeling itself is shameful. It's not. Wanting to be self-sufficient is not shameful. You make poor choices or get hit with things you don't expect, you struggle, you learn, you move on. Learning is valuable. It's ok. You're a good mom if you learn and make changes so that next time it's not a crisis, and you're a good mom for providing for your kids now.

STUCK IN THE BOX

#whathyalinesaid because it's very true.

You can't be great at everything all the time. It's just not realistic. You focus on parenting and lose sight of finances, or you have a clean house but you suck at cooking, or your house is in complete shambles but your kids go puddle jumping every day and are as happy as can be. But I find there's just no way to be great at everything and never run into road blocks.

Life is a shit show, basically.

MarisaKathleen · April 2014

BillyMollyEmmy said:

I am super jealous of cheese getting a great house for $150K. Canadian housing prices are effing outrageous. $200K might get you something liveable, but probably only 3 bedroom, one bathroom and in need of upgrading from the 80s. We can't even afford to look at houses right now. Everything I fall in love with is $250K or more.

I love the House Hunters show on HGTV when they go to Canada. I'm constantly surprised by how expensive some of the average houses are.

I live maybe 3ish hours from cheese and $150K in my city would buy a 2bd or 3bd/ 1ba house under maybe 1200sq ft, at least according to what's on the market right this minutes.

BillyMollyEmmy · April 2014

mrssqueegy said:

DH's grandpa just put up his 1950s house with zero updates, a 900 sqft main floor, 650 sqft upstairs and unfinished basement on the market in Toronto for $598,000. And got a full price offer within 24 hours.

And probably had people fighting over it! Crazy.

People from Toronto come and buy here all the time (I'm just a few hours east) and think $300K is a steal. Meanwhile I'm looking to spend under $150K haha

hmp1 · April 2014

Our first house we bought in TX was 2000sqft, 5 years old with high ceilings, stone fireplace, 100% brick, wood or over sized tile in most of the house, cute front porch, in a fantastic school district and desirable area for $145k. This is why we can never move any where with a HCOL.

kelbel527 · April 2014

mrssqueegy said:

DH's grandpa just put up his 1950s house with zero updates, a 900 sqft main floor, 650 sqft upstairs and unfinished basement on the market in Toronto for $598,000. And got a full price offer within 24 hours.

Growing up in a mid-COL area, I would have a really hard time with this. But that's what you're used to, it probably has a little less sticker shock to it.

jenmbott · April 2014

BobKat22 said:

BobKat22 said:

I knew the neighborhood we are moving into had one doctor living in it. Yesterday, I found out two other doctors from our town are currently building in there too. Now I feel insecure, inadequate, and like we are out of our league. The new house is gonna be a stretch, but we can do it. I keep forgetting that every time I think of our well off new neighbors to be.

This sounds an awful lot like a bragplaint.
Yuck. I know. I keep re reading it and rolling my eyes. Wish I could DD it. It's just been on my mind, and I do truly feel out of my league right now.

I disagree. To me, it just sounds like Bobkat is talking about her new house that's being built. Even upscale neighborhoods have a large range of house values. And shit, even if her house is up there in value then good for her!

Want a personalized experience?

FFFC

Re: FFFC

Choose Another Board

Search Boards