German and Spanish. It’s ok, though every time I think I have an alright though basic understanding, someone starts speaking way too quickly and it all just falls apart. Also, speaking is difficult, and reaching for the correct words in the correct language is even harder. Many times I want to answer in German if someone asks me something in Spanish, and vice versa

Blue and white gaffer tape would be even quicker

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo

This one checks all your boxes. Except for maybe the bullying in school? I can’t remember if that was a theme or not. Fantastic read, though.

As a kid, I spoke with my mom all the time. That frequency dropped drastically the older I got, though. She’s got a personality disorder and I tried with her, I swear I tried so fucking hard, but I finally gave up. Now she doesn’t talk to me at all, which is far less a hardship than she imagines it is.

I had a great relationship with my dad, when he was around. He was my respite from my mother, but his relationship with her left its scars on him, too. They almost split up for a while, and I’ve never seen him happier. But now, for some unfathomable reason, they’re back together, he’s back to drinking, and he’s sided with my mom and is also not speaking with me. Unlike with her, I’m actually sad to not have him around, but trying to reason with alcoholic logic isn’t helpful (or a good time) for anyone.

So yeah, I think there’s far more to being close with your parents than simply the frequency of conversations, though maybe that plays a role.

It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

Adoption is a great option, but ONLY if you really want a kid.

Remember, adoption is traumatic, and kids aren’t returnable.

Absolutely this, but ONLY if you’re absolutely certain you want a kid.

Remember, adoption is traumatic and kids aren’t returnable.

There’s some great podcasts out there that really focus on the science. Science VS comes to mind, as does Factually

Ngl, $950K for a house sounds like a steal. Can’t buy a tear-down starter home around here for that cheap…

It’s not bullshit. When I lived in Edmonton, we had a mountain ash tree in our front yard, as did many others along our street. In the winter, the birds would hop from tree to tree, eating the fermented berries, getting more and more blitzed with each bar tree they visited.

Exactly this

Wish I could upvote this more than once

Canada, USA, Paraguay, Germany. For a while, Brazil, Columbia, The Netherlands, and The Cayman Islands were on that list, too.

That sucks. Sounds like you two need to work on your communication.

Absolutely!

Bold of you to assume that the wall outlet would have a 20a breaker. Most don’t, unless they’re in a kitchen.

But you’re right about the resistance. Also, most extension cords are undersized for the loads they pull, they’re commonly made with 16 or even 18awg wire, further increasing resistance (which translates to heat).

Source: am electrician in US

right handed hammer, screwdriver

Sounds like shit I’ve sent the new apprentice to go looking for when I need a break

I used to, but I grew up in a house where privacy was a thing that existed in stories, only for other people. Me and my brothers had our rooms regularly searched, and our phone calls eavesdropped on. My parents weren’t secret about it, except when they tried to be, but we knew all the signs and so knew when to keep our mouths shut, and we also got really good at hiding things.

It’s taken decades for me to adjust to the idea that my spouse doesn’t (and won’t) go through my stuff (and yes, this is something I’ve tested him on without his knowledge).

I’m partial to TST’s Seven Tenets, and they work for “laws of sentience” in a sci-fi universe as well.

I’m old, I guess. And these are just the cars that I’ve considered as mine. I’ve owned more, lol