Challenge 1:
- Some funky paper garlands
- A minimalist flat of grass (may count as a plant)
- Branches that drape organically over the edge

Challenge 2:
- Sliding panels like this
- A lush wall of pleated velvet or silk (double track ceiling mount) that extends wider than the door itself, like this, this or this.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 9:05 AM on October 11, 2008

Are she and her friends clearly welcome at her home? Have the parents made it appealing for her to hang out at home? Are they cool with her friends coming over late, watching movies, hanging out, goofing off with minimal oversight? Or are they micro-managing, or sending the message that she's not trusted, her friends are not liked, she's dressed improperly, or the stuff she wants to do on "her time" is stupid? Definitely have the conversations about parental concerns, minimum... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 1:39 PM on October 10, 2008

I've also got severely limited use of the arm
You do realize your left arm controls the clutch, horn, a turn signal, and a petcock on most bikes, right?

Seriously, I'm an almost-40 woman who rides motorcycles, and have done 0-60 in four seconds along the US coast on a bright, sunny day. I popped in here to help out, but after reading your question, I'm on your wife's side. If you were more willing to take her very reasonable concerns into... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 1:34 PM on October 9, 2008

I like graphed or storyboard paper like this or this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 7:37 PM on October 5, 2008

There have been a few studies with mice, rats and humans that show alternate day fasting to increase health and longevity, and reduce weight, even though they're eating the same number of total calories on the second day. This is also reflected in some of the Weight Watchers forums I dipped into a couple of years ago. Lots of people on WW find that they plateau, but that an alternate day approach works for them very well in terms of healthy weight loss and vitality. I'm not a huge expert on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:18 PM on October 4, 2008

If you're looking for another expert to consult, you could try The Real Dr. House (Discover magazine article). And here's Dr. Bolte's own website. Sounds right up his alley.

It's not clear from your question, but did the onset of symptoms begin when you moved into this house, or have you lived there a while and the symptoms began two years ago? The answer would eliminate some possible causes.

And in a totally IANAD moment,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 8:45 AM on October 2, 2008 marked best answer

How much scraping was done with the exterior paint job? Signs of lead paint poisoning include some on your list, I don't think these persist for two years, though, but I'm not an expert and timing-wise it lines up.
* Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
* Muscular weakness
* Headache
* Abdominal pain
* Memory loss
* Mood disorders
* Reduced sperm count, abnormal... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:21 AM on October 2, 2008

I think if she was nursing only once or twice a day, you probably do nothing. This is how it went for me and Baby Cocoa, at 2yo. He nursed 1x/day in the morning and infrequently at night, then he got a lot more interested in getting his own breakfast and playing first thing, and before I knew it he hadn't nursed in about a week. You may feel full for a few days, approaching engorged depending on your supply and the time of day you usually nursed, but it's quite different from going from 4-6... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:28 PM on September 30, 2008

From a client's perspective:
- The room as got to be warm enough. Additional blankets and the offer to put them on is helpful. I run very cold so I appreciate it when a therapist proactively asks if I want a blanket and I don't have to interrupt 10 minutes in to say I'm chilly.
- Arrhythmic music. I can't really relax to music with words or an obvious measure. Nature sounds are ok, too, but those rainforest birds can be shrill. And lose the Enya, please.
- A... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 2:11 PM on September 30, 2008

I have this perpetual calendar and have been doing just what you'd like to. The toughest thing (for me at least) is remembering to note things down. But so far, after three years, I have a good idea of when the leaves on our huge tree fall (spend day raking and call gutter cleaners!), when the roses bloom, when we turned the heat on/off, as well as birthdays and anniversaries. The line spaces aren't huge, but it's nice to look at. I find--as do friends who use one--that the bathroom is a great... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 4:22 AM on September 30, 2008 marked best answer

Oops, missing link.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 4:23 AM on September 30, 2008

I also have big arms (and a toddler). Old Navy has been the best spot for me to consistently find shirts that work. Many of them tend to run long (thank you!) so they provide extra coverage, especially if you like low rise pants. Long is also good for slimming out a little extra belly-ness. Also, they frequently have 3/4 length sleeves, a godsend for big armed women. These can be very slimming. I tend to go for the knits with an interesting pattern or solids. The woven cloth shirts just don't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:44 AM on September 29, 2008

Irish and Scottish specialty shops are great for wonderful sweaters that you won't find in other clothing shops. Not familiar with specifics in NYC, but here's a directory listing of Scottish & Irish Goods.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:44 AM on September 28, 2008

I was just coming to second the Red Line > Alewife > 76 Bus suggestion, but when I checked the interactive schedule it looks like it doesn't run on weekends. BUT - check out the schedule .pdf on the right-hand side of that same page. It does have a Saturday schedule for an Alewife > Lex Ctr. route and schedule.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:50 AM on September 28, 2008

Joel-Peter Witkin (some photos).
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:10 PM on September 27, 2008

Based on the styles you linked to, you might like a nice pair of women's motorcycle boots (more "euro style" than harley). I have ridden into November in Dainese boots and they've been warm and waterproof. They're meant to have good traction around oil and the like, but you'd have to try them out for ice. Here are a few styles of that brand and others.
- Dainese Dainesella D-Dry
- Alpinestars Stella Torre
- Teknic... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:05 PM on September 27, 2008

Robert Dilts is still around, and was considered legit as long as 10 years ago. It looks like he has some online courses, but I think the practitioner courses are in person.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:30 AM on September 26, 2008

In this order I think:
- Weight loss
- Triceps work: this will firm up the rear/underside--wingy--portion of the arm
- Front and rear delt work: these are the small muscles at the tops of your arms. When a bit defined they really say "My arms are in amazing shape!" even if overall they aren't. They're small muscles and can be easily injured, so be gentle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 2:33 AM on September 25, 2008 marked best answer

Contrary to above opinions, I don't think you're being illogical at all. You have been told that, unbeknown to you, someone you don't know will be caring for your son, perhaps regularly and because of a non-emergency situation (the gym?!? c'mon!). As a parent your job is to go ape shit. Because it's your Mum and you love and appreciate her, your version of ape shit will be calm, controlled and respectful, but ape shit nonetheless.

First of all, your caregiver (Mum or no)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 2:18 AM on September 25, 2008 marked best answer

I have little to no carpentry skills and have been thinking of building a Unit One for a long time, precisely because it seems so doable. It doesn't come plumbed, but looks easy to mod. Go for it!
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 6:32 PM on September 23, 2008

I lived in a large, unheated loft for a few years. In addition to the recommended plastic wrap on the windows and space heaters, I set up my small dome tent and a sleeping bag. At night, when you're not creating a lot of heat through movement, it really helped. I'm a woman, but several guy friends who were in the same situation also set up portable pee-catchers (uh, 2 liter soda bottles) so they didn't have to get too far out of bed at night to pee.

A Terrible Llama is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:56 AM on September 23, 2008

Where exactly "outside of Boston"? I don't know if the Geek Squad does after hours house calls for batteries, but they might. Also, call the front desk of your hotel - they may suggest a better solution, or have a business office they can open for you, or lend you a backup.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 7:06 PM on September 22, 2008

For that rate, aim for B&Bs and you'll get nicer rooms. I would try the Beacon Inn, but this late and that price is tough to match in Boston. You can also find a list of Boston College area hotels here, and I think that would be the best neighborhood to aim for ("outskirts & mass transit"). Further out in Cambridge would be nice and served by the T and bus, but I think it tends to be more expensive than the BC area. I can personally recommend The Harding House, The Irving... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 9:59 AM on September 20, 2008

Yeah, I was going to say young milkweed plant, too. It's hard to get a sense of scale from your pictures. Is the pod 2"-4" long and are the hairs trailing from the seeds insanely soft?
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:59 PM on September 19, 2008

tatango doesn't do voicemail, just text.

meta_eli - such as...? Is that something I'd find at Best Buy or Staples? The only solutions I could find online charge per unit (message) or charge a monthly subscription fee.

To clarify, yeah, it's really the voicemail solution that's stumping me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 1:51 PM on September 19, 2008

Thanks mysterious1der, I think Phonevite mentioned in that previous question, seems to work exactly the way I want it to and it's free.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:55 PM on September 19, 2008

One True Thing, 1989, William Hurt & The Streep.
The Life of David Gale, 2003, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney. Pretty dark.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:37 AM on September 18, 2008

I have an '05 Volvo V70R and have a few friends with kids who have CR-Vs. They love them. My experience with current-day Volvos is that the place Volvo trades comfort for space is the front seat, rather than the back seat. We are a family of three (#2 also on the way) and are about to trade in the Volvo for a Prius because of fuel efficiency. But surprise, surprise! the seating compartment up front feels bigger to us, and is about the same as the Volvo in back. The cramped front seat of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:40 AM on September 15, 2008

You *could* be a great businessperson, but...you are insanely insecure about your ability to succeed so you've a history of sabotaging yourself or talking yourself out of pursuing things. You never take your business ideas as far as you want to.

So, the reality is you're *not* a great business person and probably won't be anytime soon. This is not a criticism, it's a reality check.

Your game plan is to name your top 5... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:14 PM on September 14, 2008

What first got me interested in reading and writing in the genre were articles in The Sciences, now sadly defunct. Finally, all the beauty and mystery of science written in a way that made you want to read it all in one sitting and then get more!

John McPhee's articles, mostly for The New Yorker, are considered classics and I love them for their attention to the mundane, which suddenly turns it fascinating.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 1:49 PM on September 14, 2008

Seconding Rodney Yee in general and the Back Care DVD in particular.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:27 AM on September 13, 2008

I would formally schedule (or set aside part of your meetings as) "discovery" for you, where all you do is listen to the other participants about the needs, constraints, goals, deadlines, desires and other agenda at play. All you do it take notes and say, "Thanks, that's helpful for me to know." Then you type that up and...

1) save it for your reference - this will give you something to refer to as you work and ensure you're responding accurately to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 2:41 PM on September 12, 2008

You've nailed the two opposing issues here. On one hand, the US Department of Transportation seems to say that except for the restrictions on lithium ion batteries listed here, there's no problem bringing batteries on board (and they seem to prefer them in the cabin to in checked luggage). On the other hand, safe and legal items that simply "could be seen by other passengers as a threat" are confiscated with relish.

I would follow the guidelines on this TSA... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:11 AM on September 12, 2008

I walk a bunch through New England winters and these things worked well for me:
- You can get lightweight waterproof trail shoes or sneakers with good support and wear waterproof socks under them. I don't know if you'd need wool in addition to those. It depends on how hot you get and how cold it is. Keeping your shoes lightweight helps you avoid that slogging feeling when it's cold or snow is deep. I like high boots too, but if every street corner is an obstacle course, that weight... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:57 AM on September 10, 2008 marked best answer

One small co-
That should be: One small container might do you for the whole winter.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:06 AM on September 10, 2008

I always thought it was a parliament, but that could be from Little, Big.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 6:49 AM on September 10, 2008

donut:
Status: default
Type: Integer
Value: 2

orthogonality: "Accept cookies from sites" is unchecked but the Exceptions list has Allow for the sites I do want to Allow. "Keep until they expire" is the option I have set.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 10:43 AM on September 9, 2008

A spotlight search turns up nothing with Stealther or extension .xpi.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:00 AM on September 9, 2008

I've rechecked all the exceptions and cookies and....still no joy.

cellphone: Try taking your computer to another network and see if you have the same problem. If you do not, see if anyone else is having the same problem. If they are, definitely notify IT.
It sounds like you're suggesting this solution from within a corporate environment. This is all on a home laptop and I have no IT support. Or do you mean contact the IT of each website... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 11:50 AM on September 9, 2008

Ok, something there worked. I used AppZapper, reinstalled FF, created a new user and it worked with that user, and now works with my existing user account. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 6:43 PM on September 9, 2008

One wall in this wallpaper in black and white. Put the chair against this wall. A tight wool rug like one of these. A pale yellow or avocado-ish color for the other walls, perhaps with a funky pattern painted behind the bed. A black and white upholstered chair, like this elsewhere in the room. A couple of warm wood pieces to keep things from being too hard. A mod pendant light to talk to the acrylic chair. Some throw pillows and amazing art to tie it all together.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 6:39 PM on September 9, 2008

What the preschool teachers do in my 3-year-old's room is make it clear that the loudness is painful and has social consequences. "It hurts my ears when you're that loud and I don't want to listen or be too close. When you can use your voice more gently, I will listen." And then follow through. They also provide situations in which it is ok to be loud ("If you really need to be that loud, you can yell out the door," "You can yell when we are outside," or "You... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 7:57 PM on September 7, 2008

I rein in my sweet tooth rather than try to conquer it completely. A few things help me:
- A set amount of dark chocolate chips per day. Using a measured cup makes it easier for me to both limit my intake and visually pace myself. When I started, I ratcheted my intake down weekly so that I'm now at 1/4 cup a day, versus eating blind all day.
- Eliminating needless sugar (high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup) anywhere else I can in my diet so that the sugar I do have... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:11 PM on September 5, 2008

I like this one by Rainbow Light because it doesn't have added sugar or artificial sweeteners/colorings, etc. It has more than or close to the ingredients recommended in this WebMD article on prenatals. I also like the fact that just one pill a day does it. Rainbow Light does have something called a Complete Prenatal System that has more in it, but you have to take six pills a day. For some pregnant women, vitamins can worsen nausea, so one-a-day can make a difference.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 5:11 PM on September 3, 2008

I think an improv theater course would work well on both counts. Check out especially the section on "Psychology of Improvisational Theater."
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 6:31 PM on September 2, 2008

If you're getting blisters on your palms, you're doing it wrong.

Two things make me say this might not be true or at least not that relevant here.
- I paddle on water and with a Concept rower indoors, and they are very different experiences in terms of range of motion of the paddle in your hands.
- And for a petite woman, the grips on a rower can be HUGE. Very different from the diameter and material of a paddle. It's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:27 AM on September 1, 2008

I think the New Amsterdam Project cargo bike service is mostly for businesses, but they might be willing to do the odd job.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 9:49 AM on August 30, 2008

I'm coming back to say you might like The World Without Us, an "imaginative hybrid of solid science reporting and morbid speculation." (© Reed Business Information)

PS cocoagirl, Cload Atlas is by David Mitchell.
Ack. Ack. Yes, Mitchell, not Wallace.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 4:50 PM on August 29, 2008

I always used these microwave sterilization bags to clean the parts on my Medela. Speed being of the essence, and all. They were great. I replaced the silicone tubes on mine once (Mr. Cocoa melted the first set!) and you might check for any small parts insides the valves or flanges, just to have backups beforehand. I don't know how likely it is that the same size flange will fit you the second time around, so again, I might have another size on hand in case the ones you have don't fit you.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 4:41 PM on August 29, 2008

Thirding ABJ. Wendell is great, though the silent type. Abe is his grouchy, front office counterpart.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cocoagirl at 3:44 AM on August 29, 2008