I trained myself out of a terrible habit of compulsive overeating. The thing that worked the best for me was to notice I was hungry and that I wanted something particularly high calorie and tasty that I would stuff myself with, I would have something low calorie and satisfying on hand, at all times. So I would tell myself -- okay, you can get yourself some French Fries if you are still hungry after eating a bowl of soup and drinking a glass of water. That would almost always do the trick, even... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 2:19 PM on September 14, 2008

You already mention yogurt, but I am a biiig fan of plain yogurt with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, granola and lots and lots and lots of honey. Sometimes I also mix in some flax seeds. It's tasty, sweet, and extremely high in fiber.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 5:06 PM on September 5, 2008

There is likely nothing she wants to hear from you except that you didn't mean it, you messed up, and you want her back.

Anything you send to her will either be:

A.) An opportunity for her to hang on, thinking that's what you mean, and you'll come around soon, only delaying the inevitable reality of that not happening, or

B.) A reminder that you are not going to do that, ergo a knife in the wound.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 9:19 PM on September 1, 2008

I think the Hitachi Magic Wand might be too much firepower for your buddy. I'm surprised that it gets recommended all of the time, it is not for the faint of heart. The rabbit will be wildly intimidating, it just does too much all at once, if "squeezing" is all she's gotten to so far, the poor girl might have a heart attack.

A simple vibe - like the pocket rocket, is probably a better way to go.

At least, that's what I've heard. Nyuk nyuk.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 2:38 PM on August 28, 2008

I had that with "The Pursuit of Happyness".

Very heartwarming until the next day I was suddenly furious that in reality, the guy was more like a get-rich-quick-schemer who was putting his child in grave danger and not providing for him in the short term by chasing a dream that may or may not have worked out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 9:35 PM on August 23, 2008

I'm in -- if it's after the 10th!
posted to MetaTalk by pazazygeek at 12:38 AM on August 20, 2008

For a little more clarity:

My father lives alone, and is self-employed. He's divorced and does not have a significant other. He does not have a lot of money, I can tell that he is extremely worried about having to take the time off to recover. I don't know who is going to help him home or who is talking to his doctor, if anybody. I've only spoken to him. The rest of my (very small) family is down here. Nobody else is planning on visiting at the moment.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 6:01 PM on August 15, 2008

Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful answers. In the end, I did decide to go, and I'm back now. I'm thrilled that I did go -- and he was as well. He was much healthier and in better spirits than I had expected, considering the severity of the situation. He's back home now and is recovering, but I feel much, much better knowing that he's okay, and having had a chance to visit with him and make sure he's okay. He was concerned about me wearing myself out by driving up to see him in the midst... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:06 PM on August 18, 2008

I found my best success by filling a large bowl with white wine, and then putting a smidge of dish soap into it. The dish soap reduces the surface tension of the wine, which means the flies can't land on it and then fly away so easily - and then they're more likely to drown. You can also dilute the wine with water to save money (and/or wine).
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:16 PM on August 8, 2008

And, that's what I get for waiting too long to submit my answer - everyone else has the same answer before me and I don't notice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:17 PM on August 8, 2008

I struggled with this mightily when I ended a ten year relationship last year, and that was my decision. First of all I want to congratulate you on how well you're doing. If I had not been the one to initiate the breakup of my ten year relationship, I don't know how I would have fared -- it was terribly difficult, and I wanted it!

That said, I am going to give you the most annoying answer of all time: It takes time. It sounds like you are filling your time whenever you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 5:55 PM on July 25, 2008

I think I'm catchin' your vibe here. It's not "music by girls" so much as it is music that makes you feel girlie. And so, I give you:

Karen Dalton
Vashti Bunyan
Stereolab
Marine Girls
Any Velvet Underground with Nico singing
Feist
Late-era Cars (okay, actually The Cars in any form)
Heart
Blondie
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:16 AM on July 18, 2008 marked best answer

Can I say that she's not that good? Is that allowed? It's a great story and all, but aren't there a lot of 5 year olds that can bang out a so-so fur elise?

posted by empath

Reverse eponysterical!
posted to MetaFilter by pazazygeek at 12:42 PM on July 14, 2008

So I have now decided to pitch a reality show to the networks. It's sort of like Project Greenlight, but for sitcoms. And it's called, "I'm Not Here to Make Friends, I'm Here to Make Friends".
posted to MetaFilter by pazazygeek at 1:19 PM on July 11, 2008

Girl, you were in an intensely abusive relationship. Good job for you on kicking him out, even though he did everything he could to wear away your self esteem. Most women don't do that when they find themselves in a relationship like that. This is not about your body image, that is what you've picked to hate on yourself for. If you were a size two you'd be flipping out about some other feature of your body or a personality trait you have. You need some serious healing. This is a job for a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:43 PM on July 10, 2008

Most of this stuff is not secret, but it's aaaallll awesome.

Dim Sum (and wandering around in Chinatown, particularly all of the little anime/tchochke shops, while you wait for your number to be called) at Empress Pavilion.

Driving down PCH in the summer, all the way to Malibu and back.

The crazy Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine on Sunset.

Taking friends over the leap-of-faith hills in Echo... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:46 PM on July 6, 2008

I've taken my electric guitar on a plane as carry on in a gig bag. I've never tried with a hard case. It was fine -- although I'm sure I would have had a heart attack if I'd had to check it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:58 PM on June 30, 2008

I always get sick when I don't take vitamins with food. Full stomach + vitamins and I'm fine. Empty stomach + vitamins and I am sad and pukey.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:51 PM on June 30, 2008

That's what I'm doing and am down 10 pounds in 4 1/2 weeks. Oddly enough I'm getting told I look like I've lost more than I have.

If you're exercising regularly, that's probably because you're gaining muscle!

Is there a reason you need to get down to a specific number? Numbers are difficult with diet and exercise for precisely that reason - if you're eating healthy and exercising regularly and well, you can build a lot of good... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2008

Oh, girl. I empathize with you so hard.

Here's the first thing you need to do: No more beating yourself up. Listen to how hard you are on yourself. You just got dumped -- that's painful. You hate your job -- that is intensely unpleasant to experience day in and day out. You need some support, a shoulder, something to bolster your confidence. Maybe you don't have that right now.

I promise you this: You ain't gonna get it by yelling at yourself.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 6:50 PM on June 25, 2008

anonymous, your girlfriend sounds like she's going through something pretty terrible. I will save my judgements as to her character when I read your post (I will tell you this, though, they are Not Nice).

However, this is the truth as it stands:

You deserve better.
You are not going to get what you want from her.
It's not your fault.

You may love her and want to work it out, but it's not on you to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 6:15 PM on June 22, 2008

It does sound to me like you're either wearing too much, need to apply powder over it, or are somehow applying it wrong, because I wear foundation and it doesn't come off or on to anybody (I just giggled aloud at the thought of my make up coming on to people -- "Hey handsome, can I rub off on ya?"). I digress.

Since none of us can see you, though, I would suggest taking this problem to a makeup counter, Sephora is probably the best place to go, because they... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:50 AM on June 12, 2008

Why not try eating a roll or a cliff bar or something with some carby goodness right now and see if you don't feel better? That should help you narrow it down.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:00 PM on June 9, 2008

Oh man, I'm so sorry. That is really rough. I'm going through a dark spell myself, although nothing nearly so difficult, so I was glad to see your question, as I was thinking about asking something similar. These are some things that have been helping me:

1.) Seems like you've already got this part down, but it bears repeating - that this is something you just sort of have to slog through, and give yourself time to be sad, so it doesn't sneak up on you when you need to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:36 PM on June 1, 2008

You might be able to get to the mobile version of facebook - a friend's company forgot to block that url, and it seems like a simple mistake to make (http://m.facebook.com) -- but it's a limited version. Worth a shot -- and a little bit less liable to get you in trouble than doing something hinky.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:52 AM on May 29, 2008

There could be a million and one reasons why she is behaving the way she is. She could be afraid to be vulnerable and really likes you. Should could just "not be that into you", she could have brain damage, she could be from another planet, she could be a CIA agent and she just can't get that close to anybody right now.

Here's the thing though, and you already know this: You can't know the answer. Even if she tells you point blank, you still won't totally... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:08 PM on May 26, 2008

Go to a clinic and get you some Diflucan. Even if you don't have health insurance. It works. It is relief. It is worth the money. Sometimes OTC can make things worse. A friend of mine swore by those Monistat ovules and they made me absolutely miserable, and didn't actually treat the problem. No bueno.

Also, nthing the plain yogurt, applied to your lady area, and drink lots of water, get lots of sleep, and let your bits breathe in the night while you rest. Stress isn't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 3:08 PM on May 15, 2008

The big reason I'd suggest the 80GB over the 40 is that while you don't think you'll be playing a lot of games on it now, you'll likely have it for a while. You've already identified three games this year that you'd like to buy for it. The thing about the PS3 and the 360 and the like is that they release tons of content for games (Rock Band will likely be putting out new tracks for you to enjoy for ages to come, and the more songs the better -- you will not want to delete them to make room).... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 8:05 PM on May 7, 2008

You could try a system restore.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:09 PM on May 6, 2008

Sorry, that's start --> accessories --> system tools --> system restore. Then restore the computer to the day before you mucked about and uninstalled that stuff.

Before you bother, you say you know that the My Pictures folder had about 4GB worth of photos. Is there any way that you can verify that there are 4GB worth of new free space on the hard drive? Does she know how much space she was using on her hard drive before My Pictures disappeared?
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:13 PM on May 6, 2008

Seriously, why would you want to cultivate a pot habit? I've had similar wonderings because I've had great experiences smoking weed and terrible experiences smoking weed. I'm sure I could talk to some stoners for "advice", and it probably just takes, well, practice, but -- why would you want to do that?

I hate to get all Nancy Reagan on ya, but what are the nice parts about smoking weed that you like? Is it the focus, or the relaxation? Take that $60 you'd... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 2:23 PM on May 6, 2008

Have you checked out any of the Q guides? They're all breezy, quick reads which take a slightly more in-depth look at exactly the sorts of things you're talking about. There's a guide to Broadway, a guide to Wine and Cheese, a guide to Soap Operas. I've only ever read the one about The Golden Girls, because I love the Golden Girls.

Do you live in a large metro area? I'd suggest going to a nice bookstore in the gay neighborhood where you live (if this exists), and looking... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:55 PM on May 4, 2008

No, you are not shallow. If you weren't trying to be open minded, or thinking about this in the first place, you would be.

Yes, you should end it.

Think of it this way, if you're worried about being selfish: She deserves to fall in love with someone that wants to sex her up crazy all the time. We all do.

You can't really police or fault people for what they are sexually attracted to. It's what turns you on, and that's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:37 PM on May 4, 2008

Say you ask him to the party and he does not respond. How will that make you feel?

You've already put yourself out there.

Go to the party and be fab and have fun without this guy. Maybe you'll meet someone else who is awesome. He sounds like a user to me. It doesn't sound to me like you enjoy being the pursuer, here, so why push it along? If he really likes you, he'll track you down.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 3:05 PM on May 3, 2008

Apply some of that professional focus to trying to get healthier. Think of it as a project. Understand that you might have to be really stringent at first to train yourself out of the bad habits that you've accumulated.

Remember that you deserve to take regular breaks and take care of yourself. When I worked from home, I found that I worked harder than I ever did in an office, because I felt that a.) I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity and b.) if I wasn't a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:03 PM on May 3, 2008

What tends to happen with female friends that you make? Do you have trouble maintaining those friendships, or making them in the first place? Are you around a lot of women in the sorts of situations where friendships tend to develop?

I went through this when I was in my early to mid 20s. I felt more comfortable "being myself" around men. I worked in a male dominated industry (still do). I was a self-identified feminist and spent a lot of time reading feminist... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:53 AM on May 3, 2008

I call it "loopiness" -- but I don't think that's a technical term. I have it right now.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 10:32 PM on April 29, 2008

I don't really "get" GG Allin in that I don't particularly feel drawn to him, but I'm fascinated by the people that are. He speaks to certain people and I can't exactly find the common thread. He's a fascinating character to say the least. That said, there's no way in hell I'm clicking on that link.
posted to MetaFilter by pazazygeek at 5:32 PM on April 26, 2008

Oh, it's all about Snake Eater, the theme from Metal Gear Solid 3. It's particularly awesome because the lyrics are so bizarre.

I will now crawl back into my nerd hole.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:34 PM on April 26, 2008

"Taking the High Road."
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 8:16 PM on April 12, 2008

I think this is one of those things where absolutist thinking can really make you crazy. In some situations, timing is everything -- in others, it's just not right but the timing being wrong seems like the right excuse -- maybe it's both at one time.

I think you're better off remembering that "we were great for eachother but the timing is just wrong" is as much of a dealbreaker as "we were great for eachother but this one irreconcilable... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:31 PM on April 11, 2008

If it's only while you're playing a game, it could well be that the laser is struggling to read the disc and it could be on its way out. It's not because you left it on a few times overnight a year ago.

You could look through here and see if anybody has reported a similar problem, and if there's anything you can or should do about it.

Chances are, though, that it's what others have mentioned, it's struggling to read dual-layer discs. Or it could... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:34 PM on April 8, 2008

I also suggest "Time is Running Out" by Muse, and "Prisoner of Society" by The Living End. Cheap Trick also has a lot of great build and release songs, like "He's a Whore" -- these can work really well to give you that extra kick. I'm a big fan of a lot of the songs on The Distiller's "Coral Fang" album, particularly "Hall of Mirrors" and "Beat Your Heart Out" -- but that might just be me.

Oh, and because I'm a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:33 AM on April 4, 2008

Seconding J. Jill.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 4:03 PM on April 3, 2008

Seconding Off Vine and Fabiolus, both are really good. El Floridita on Fountain and Vine has excellent Cuban. Katsuya is a snazzy, trendy sushi place that just opened up on the corner of Hollywood & Vine, not sure if you'd be able escape for ~$60 if you're a big sushi eater.
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 12:22 AM on April 2, 2008

Are you wanting the people in your life to be as get-up-and-go about trying new things as you are, as in, suggesting new stuff, being as spontaneous as you'd like to be? Or are you finding lots of interesting things that you want to do and having a hard time getting your friends and loved ones to join you?

I am similarly drawn to trying new things, having new experiences, etc, and while a lot of my friends seem to enjoy themselves when they try new stuff, I think most of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 1:15 PM on March 31, 2008

Is there a distribution list in your to: field? If so, is it possible that old employee's email address is still on said distribution list?
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 11:35 AM on March 31, 2008

What a beautiful arrangement, your playing is amazing! Love the song, and it's a really nice recording.
posted to MeFi Music by pazazygeek at 12:03 AM on March 31, 2008

Are you drinking enough water? Oftentimes what you think is hunger can actually be just thirst.

Have you changed anything about your daily activities? Are you finding you're hungry because you're bored?

If you're finding yourself famished and eating yourself to the point of over-fullness, that will certainly get you gaining weight. One thing that might make you feel more full is to take a sip of water between each bite.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by pazazygeek at 6:36 PM on March 30, 2008

love it love it love it!
posted to MeFi Music by pazazygeek at 10:00 PM on March 28, 2008