Thursday

PamBeesly524

@speakeasy14

Swazzle

speakeasy14 said:

@PamBeesly524 I got it from the bakery at Wegmans.  It was filled and covered with cheese.
Wegmans Cheese Bread - Wegmans

DROOLING.

labro

@Swazzle I love your Tieks! Also, would you give your RIGHT pinky toe for a marg?

@minskat30 So so many hugs! You can get through all this mama and it will all be worth it! I'm sending all the vibes for Raj and for you! I wish your work was pampering you right now instead of how they are actually behaving!

@lizzytish88 Definitely hold on to WW. Do you follow a budget? I feel like you're panicking a tiny bit by cancelling all these services, freaking out over the cable bill. You might feel more in control if you sit down and take a hard look at your finances and after finding out all the must have expenses (mortgage/utilities/loan payments/insurance), start to break down the money leftover into various want to have categories. It helps me a ton to see where all the money goes every month and that way if we have a larger than normal bill, I feel comfortable because I know we already have the money set aside and I don't have to ask myself if I'm spending too much in one area.

@southernpeach89 I think Callie needs a kiddie marg to go with her Cinco de Mayo outfit. And mommy needs an adult marg.

@speakeasy14 I've heard tequila is a really excellent remedy for any and all period related symptoms.

I just need to vent for a little while. I cannot stand the neighbors who live to the south of us. They are generally nice people, and could probably be a lot worse, but at the same time - they behave like they are clueless assholes. Back in December, they got a second dog (another German Shepherd). This dog HATES Cinders (and anything that moves) and if she's outside and he's outside, he'll bark and freak out NON-STOP. Jumping at the fence, growling, hair raised on the back of his neck, etc. The neighbors just say, oh he needs to get used to her and be socialized, it's just his breed/his age/he'll calm down, etc. etc. But honestly, Cinders won't even go near him or have anything to do with him and I think it's smart of her.

Anyway, these people also keep a non-standard schedule because the husband works swing shift...which means they usually sleep late in the mornings and are up very very late at night, fine whatever. H used to be on the same schedule and we know and sympathize with the struggles. However, they'll let both dogs out at random times at night - 1 am, 2 am, 3 am, and the younger dog will go out and bark and bark and bark. It hasn't continued long enough for us to be able to call the police about it (it has to last for longer than half an hour continuously), but it still wakes us up because he goes and barks right next to the side of the fence that is by our bedroom. H usually texts our neighbors if the dog is barking and they'll bring him in...eventually. And the barking just keeps getting worse, now, he barks at US and Cinders, and he'll just go out and bark. I feel like it's almost impossible to enjoy our yard anymore because if hears us or sees us he just starts to bark. It's seriously the most obnoxious and annoying thing.

H finally decided to confront them about it. I was honestly sick of listening to him complain to me about it and I told him if he felt like he needed to say something to them, then he could. Our neighbors did not take it well. We've had 3-4 novel-length texts from our neighbor's wife all about how she doesn't feel safe so she won't teach the dog to not bark because what if someone tries to break in to her car, that her husband wears earplugs so H should too (and she put a pack of ear plugs in our mailbox with a fucking bow on it), that they are going to re-build the fence so the dogs can't see each other (doesn't fix the problem of the dog barking at night plus their dog barks at fucking everything and not just our dog), she said "You'll probably move before we do anyway because you've made your house look so nice and we're putting kids through college still". Basically all of it said "fuck you, deal with it" without actually saying fuck you. We've had noise issues with them in the past because they are fond of using their hot tub on random weeknights at 2 in the morning but we try to tolerate it because we know they have a right to enjoy their yard as much as we do. I'm honestly just at the end of my rope. And I wish H had never said anything to them because I feel like it did nothing to make the situation better, it probably just made it worse.

I really want to move but I feel really timid right now about putting our house on the market and getting it sold for what we want it to sell for. Plus obviously you get shitty neighbors everywhere, but at least in a future home I'll look for a neighbor without a fucking hot tub within 25 feet of our house and pay more attention to barking dogs. I dunno. I just needed to let it all out.

PamBeesly524

@labro Ugh... That all sounds terrible. It sounds like you're being completely reasonable in regards to noise. I've had neighbors in the past that have been TOO strict about noise, but you're at least trying to understand their situation with the swing shift.

I honestly cannot stand anyone who lets their dog bark uncontrollably outside. Especially that late at night. I had a dog growing up, I get that dogs bark, but if it gets out of hand you need to bring him/her in. Our neighbors back home had bear hounds and they would just let them bark all day and and all night because they lived outside... so infuriating. 

I think it also sucks that your neighbors didn't even try to be sympathetic to your H when he confronted them. Claiming you are going to move first? WTF? How do they know your situation AT ALL? Also the earplugs with a bow are so passive aggressive it makes me want to scream.

speakeasy14

@labro well the earplugs was fucking rude as shit. Having a GS who barks at everything, I get the annoyance.  We try to keep Calla inside as much as possible so we don't drive anyone crazy since she's always guarding and barking at everything. There are these devices that look like bird houses, and the give off a sound that makes dogs stop barking.  If you put it on your side of the fence, it should cover enough of their yard to keep him quiet. *Eta or you could passive aggressively leave one in their mailbox. Or a dog training brochure.

The Ultrasonic Barking Dog Deterrent - Hammacher Schlemmer

labro

@PamBeesly524 Right? Dogs bark, I get it. Our dog barks at the doorbell and she'll bark at people outside on occasion (when she's INSIDE the house), which we try to get her to not do that, but whatever, it's inside at least and it's very brief. She never barks outside and she never ever barks at other dogs. I just find it incredibly frustrating that they allow their dogs to go on barking at night when they KNOW that not everyone around them keeps their schedule and that it's very loud and obnoxious. It's so inconsiderate and I'm just done with it.

labro

@speakeasy14 Funnily enough, we did get one of those and it worked on their older dog. She doesn't bark at night anymore and maybe during the day time she'll bark one time and that's it. But the younger dog is just a fucking stupid idiot and he doesn't stop ever. You have to check the box constantly though, it runs through d-cell batteries like the world is ending!

beachyone15

@labro -



So sorry you have to deal with that. They sound like a couple of peaches.

speakeasy14

@labro

jenna8984

@labro uuuugh that is super annoying. I'm a light sleeper- freaking birds wake me up so there's no way I could live next to a barking dog. I'm sorry that she brushed you off without offering any solutions. Hopefully you'll be able to list/ get what you want for your house.

[Deleted User]

@Swazzle - You look fabulous and thanks for the review on the Tieks.  I've wanted a pair SO MUCH, especially for when BF and I travel, but I didn't know anybody who had them and so I didn't want to spend the $$$ without any reviews.

@lizzytish88 - Hugs to you.  All the hugs.  And count me another vote for not giving up WW.  It seems like this has been a huge part of your self-care, which is so important!  Don't let one bad weigh-in get you down.  TOTMs are lying pieces of shit when it comes to weight.

@labro - UGH.  I would be so frustrated too. The earplugs thing was incredibly rude...I can't believe that!  I agree with @speakeasy14 that it's time to passive aggressively leave something in their mailbox!

Morning everybody!  I had planned to get here about an hour ago, but then I had a student come by who needed to be advised, and it took me that long to get her in classes for the fall.  All she needs are upper-levels in our department, so one would think it wouldn't be that hard...but our department is losing 5 full-time faculty this year (2 to retirement, 1 to another job, 1 to a promotion within the university, and 1 to a sabbatical), so the upper-level offerings are few and far between...and many of them are already full.  Because advisement started 6 weeks ago and she should have enrolled then.  Blargh.

Yesterday I ended up leaving work early and going home and sitting on the couch and eating ice cream and Cheez Its and drinking wine and feeling sorry for myself because long-distance relationships suck.  But BF and I texted for a while.  He was in a super-good mood because the kilt he had ordered had come in, so that cheered me up a little too.

Today I feel much better, and I even put together a cute outfit this morning:


Now that I'm done meeting with a student, I'm going to finish grading finals and get my grades turned in, and then I am DONE with this semester, and my first full year as a full-time faculty member.  Which is just making me happy.

[Deleted User]

@labro Ugh I'm so sorry. I wish sometimes that the remote mute button could work on dogs lol. Your neighbors sound like they have an excuse for everything and can't just own up to the fact that they are disruptive and should probably be more respectful to their surrounding neighbors.

Maybe what your H said will help though because now they really know how rude they are being. The wife is probably just being defensive but I'm sure it will stick with her.

PamBeesly524

@futuremrshistorian love the outfit!

AlPacina

@LizzyTish88 – Hey, I’m just glad you’re not a heartless monster like the rest of us that didn’t cry. If you ever want to talk through some of the other stuff feel free to text me. I’m dealing with needing to cut down on spending right now too.

@jenna8984 – I would be annoyed at that conversation, too. I totally understand not wanting a bunch of random “fun” stuff you have no space for, even if it is cute!

@futuremrshistorian – You look so great today! I love your shoes!

-------------------------

My new friend that I'm "dating" invited me over for lunch yesterday so we could carpool to a work thing. She has the coolest bearded dragon as a pet, with a huge personality. I really kind of want one now.

And then when we got back to her place and I was about to drive home, she offered me a weed cookie.

Oh! And I FINALLY saw Mockingjay Part 2 last night! I have been waiting to read the books until I've seen all of the movies, so I'll probably do that soon, haha.

speakeasy14

@AlPacina I loved reading The Hunger Games series.  You should get started now that you've watched the movies.  And then we can share opinions.  I'll even reread them. 

AlPacina

@speakeasy14 - I've got about 70 pages left of my current book, and then I'm in!

[Deleted User]

@labro - Here you can get cited for that.  

"According to City Municipal Code, it is illegal to allow any animal to continuously bark, howl or otherwise disturb the peace. Officers can issue a citation to the owner if a citizen is willing to sign a complaint for allowing an animal to bark continuously..."

Obviously, you should try to work it out with them first, but if they are going to be that way about it, maybe there's something similar where you're at.

labro

@CocoBellaF We have noise ordinances like I mentioned, but the barking hasn't lasted long enough (more than 30 minutes continuous barking after 10 pm) for us to be able to make an official complaint.

eilis1228

@Swazzle Well hello, gorgeous! You look great today, and I love your new shoes! So cute! I'm glad you and your H had a fantastic anniversary! 

@southernpeach89 Oh. My. God. I can't with Callie's cuteness today. She's adorable! I'm glad her tooth finally broke through--maybe you guys will be able to get some rest tonight! Also, your dinner sounds amazing! Remind me to party with you next Cinco de Mayo! lol

@CocoBellaF I'm glad the stretches helped!

@cu97tiger Big hugs! This too shall pass! That's really sweet of you to be there for your girlfriend-- you are an amazing friend! 

@PamBeesly524 That's great that you and your H were able to run together. My H and I ran together for all of a week, and then he got too busy for jogging, but it was so nice to work out with him. 

@LizzyTish88 Firstly, I'm so sorry that your BF has been such an ass lately. Between the bitchiness with the dogs last week and the GoT mishap this wee, it seems like he's been taking out a lot of frustrations on you, and that's not OK. Secondly, I'm so glad you stood up for yourself and called him out! I hope his attitude changes. Thirdly, I say go by yourself tonight if he won't go. You should treat yourself! And lastly, don't cancel WW. You talk about it so highly on here, and it brings you a lot of joy and satisfaction, even if you have a bad weigh-in. It's worth the monthly expense. 

@jenna8984 I'm side eyeing your friend. She should follow your wishes and suggestions, even if she goes off registry. I mean, sure, she could get you fun clothes in bigger sizes if she really wants to get clothes, but it seems odd that she would question your registry. 

@minskat30 I've said it a million times, and I'll say it again-- you are an amazing mother! You are basically Wonder Woman. Sending you all the vibes today! I hope that work stops being a pain in the ass, I hope Raj heals quickly, and I hope you can get some much-needed rest.

@beachyone15 OMG ew! I would have freaked out. Last night H came up from taking Zoey out, and he said he saw a snake. I mean, it's the perfect weather for snakes to be out, and I'd already been thinking about the possibility of finding one... but now I'm like, "nopenopenope, not taking Zoey to play outside!" I totally understand your reaction to the rodent in the grill. UGH. 

@speakeasy14 Ugh, my periods after the IUD were horrible too. I'm so sorry that you're in period hell. *hugs*

@labro Your neighbors should not have dogs. WTF. It is NOT ok for a dog to behave like that, and they are doing jack shit to properly socialize and care for them. Telling you to put in earplugs is absurd. OMG. I'm so mad for you right now. 

@futuremrshistorian LDRs suck majorly, but you are handling it like a champ! You look great today!

@AlPacina I think you've found your soulmate! I'm glad you have a great local friend.  



OK, since I wrote novels to everyone, I'll give my update in a separate post.

eilis1228

Man, I can't believe it's already 11am here. I had to be at work earlier than normal today for a meeting, and my morning has flown by. The meeting went really well-- it was with a publisher that I'm taking over from the coworker who was laid off. They were the nicest people ever, and they're located in Hershey, PA and told me they'll be sending me TONS of candy. I'm in love!

Today is my Friday! But unfortunately it will likely be a late night because work is just insane right now. I'm so overwhelmed and burnt out. This time of the year is always crazy, but when you add in the new publishers and accounts that I'm training on, it's sheer madness. This too shall pass though, and I'll figure out a way to make it all work.

Last night I did another 80-minute workout. I feel like such a BAMF. I did legs, and I upped my weights by a lot, and I had no issues at all. 


Tonight I need to work out, pack for DC!, and make dinner. Our flight is at 7:10am tomorrow, and I'm dreading that early wake up. However, I'm so excited for H to see DC. It's one of my favorite cities, and he's never been. We come back Monday afternoon, so we'll have a decent amount of time to explore. 

Oh, and PSA for those who like Halo Top ice cream: I tried the strawberry flavor last night, and it's by far my favorite. I had to stop myself from eating the whole pint.

beachyone15

@eilis1228 - Did you have to order the ice cream online or did you find it in a store? I'm curious about it and will probably check for it next time I go grocery shopping!

wink0erin

@Swazzle What band is the concert? I hope you get booze!
@southernpeach89 Callie is so cute!
@cu97tiger Stress stinks! I hope you have relief from the stress soon. 
@jenna8984 How weird of the friend. Pretty sure registries are only a guideline!
@minskat30 Man, your maternity leave situation is actually way better than what I would end up with at my work, there's no paid mat leave at all. You have to either burn through whatever vacation/sick hours you have or take it unpaid. It's garbage. The USA sucks with maternity leave and caring for women in general and it makes me mad, especially when people refer to maternity leave as a vacation. Uhm, no, it's not. 
@speakeasy14 CHEESE BREAD.
@labro They need to freaking train their dog. They wear earplugs in their own home? That's just stupid. 
@futuremrshistorian You look super cute today!
@AlPacina I loved the Hunger Games books!

It's already lunchtime! Sheesh! Yesterday evening a landscaper came to my house for a consult about the area I want to put a patio in, and unfortunately it wasn't good news. The yard is so wet that I need to figure out some more things about drainage before planning can even begin. There's a drain to the side of my yard with a pipe leading into it, but I need to figure out where that pipe is coming from. More than likely I will need a french drain put in and some grading done to the yard BEFORE I can even consider having a patio put in. I was really upset about it after he left, but I'm glad he was honest. The guy does french drains too, so once I figure out a couple things he will come back and be able to do a quote.

I took melatonin before bed last night because I've been unable to sleep the past couple nights. It always gives me crazy dreams... last night I dreamed that my parents informed me that I was adopted, and that I had a much older brother. In the dream I was asking a bunch of questions about my birth parents and the brother. WTF brain?

Tonight I am making tacos and packing for my weekend trip. I'm both excited and nervous about the trip! Tomorrow night we will stay at BF's brother's house and Saturday we will wake up early to get to the campground for a day of beer and music. We are camping that night and coming home Sunday. I hope the weather is nice!

eilis1228

@beachyone15 I got it at Kroger. If you go on the Halo Top website, they will tell you which stores distribute it in your area. Kroger was the only chain around me that carries it, but I feel like this is something HEB would carry where you are. I could be wrong though.

PamBeesly524

@eilis1228 yay for the long weekend! And congrats on your workout - do you do it at the gym? I'm always so lost with free weights and stuff at the gym so I never go. 

I tried the Vanilla Halo Top last week and it was soooo good! I couldn't believe it.

jenna8984

@futuremrshistorian looking fabulous!

@eilis1228 I love DC- have a blast! Um and you feel like a BAMF because you are one!

@wink0erin hope you get good camping weather!

eilis1228

@PamBeesly524 Yep, I go to the gyms at my apartment complex. They have 2 onsite that are "free" to residents and open 24/7. I used to go to 24 Hour Fitness, and I had a personal trainer for a while. She helped me learn how to use free weights and create my own workouts, though admittedly she still pushes me a lot harder than I push myself. My gym doesn't have a leg press or a few other machines that I really liked, but I make it work. If I ever have questions about a work out or how to properly use the weights, I either Google it or text my trainer (we became really close friends, and she was a BM in my wedding). There are a ton of resources on the web that help with creating workouts and educating people on proper stance, etc. If you go to a gym, you can definitely ask a trainer how to use something. That's what they are there for, and unless they have a client, they're probably bored and looking to help someone out.

[Deleted User]

@eilis1228 - I went to Kroger yesterday afternoon for the sole purpose of getting Halo Top, and all they had was mint chocolate chip, which normally I would go for, but I really wanted chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.  I haven't tried any of them yet but I so want to!

minskat30

@labro - I'm sorry.    Raj barks...a lot...at everything.  That said, if he is outside, he isn't barking for more than 5-8 minutes before we do something about it (and only then because I might say be in the bathroom).  And he certainly isn't allowed outside before 6:30 am or after 10 pm and barking.  Irresponsible dog owners are the worst.  I just hope you guys get to list your house, get mega bucks and move to a place with better neighbors.  Only other thing I can think of is asking other neighbors if it bugs them too and if they can say something so it isn't just coming from you guys.

@eilis1228 - Thank you, the encouragement really does help.  I hope you guys have an awesome time in DC and I can't wait for the AW post on your return.

AlPacina

To anyone who either wants to lose weight by eating only ice cream, or wants to know if eating Halo Top is bad for you, I highly recommend this article:

http://www.gq.com/story/halo-top-ice-cream-review-diet

(Guy eats only Halo Top ice cream for 10 days)

labro

@wink0erin I mean it's a legit reason for the earplugs because the husband works swing shift (meaning sleeping most or all of the morning and then going to work in the afternoon/coming home after midnight.

@minskat30 Lol, we've been in our house 3 years now and we still haven't met the people who live on the other side of our neighbors! It's a good idea though. Our neighbors on our home's other side are friends with them but they even said they didn't think their friendship would last long if they lived right next door so they know what we deal with. It's honestly embarrassing though...I feel like their dog is so obnoxious and disturbing that we shouldn't be outside because I KNOW other people can hear it and if we were inside then the disturbance would be less frequent. We have dogs on all sides, so sometimes I'll be in the yard playing fetch with Cinders or doing yard work and we will literally have dogs barking at us on either side of our yard and that sets off dogs in the neighborhood that backs up to us. It is literally. The. Worst.