I look in my purse for that thing (my dignity), where is it? Where is it in my purse? Is it in there? Where? Ooops, and they're gone.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:23 AM on July 24, 2008

I keep my journals small and hidden. When I fill one, I scan in every page and turn the journal into a PDF. I keep the PDFs in a hidden folder on an encrypted drive which can't be accessed without a password and whose location is hidden. Once the PDF is made, the original physical journal can be destroyed.

I works for me, but I'm crazy :).
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 10:34 AM on July 23, 2008

What happens when you copy the information and paste it into a table or excel? You might find that if the format is consistent, putting the text into a table will be just that simple.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 1:19 PM on July 18, 2008

I also took my literature degree to law school, by way of disastrous flirtation with a Ph.D. program.

So, why can't you work at the English Factory (publishing, teaching, writing)?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:10 PM on July 16, 2008

Well, my mom moved to the US in her thirties with almost no English and is doing exceptionally well. Surely it is easier to re-learn a language you once knew than to start from scratch. The key challenge, I think, is to overcome any sense of embarrassment over making mistakes because you're "supposed" to speak the language. It will take time to get mastery back.

I second the idea of a test visit. If you're unhappy where you are, you'll want to be very careful... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:59 AM on July 14, 2008

Emily Dickinson asked that her poems be burned. The artist Aubrey Beardsley wanted some of his paintings to be destroyed. There are many such cases. In fact, the question you pose has been the topic of many debate rounds on APDA.

Of course, there isn't really one right answer. Questions about the "right" thing to do are never simple, because there is no simple, universal agreement as to what is "right" in the first place.

I'm... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 10:48 AM on July 12, 2008

I completely understand! I feel exactly the same way. I don't want to be "that girl" who buys in to our toxic culture and denies herself food so that she can attract a man. Yuck! Eating right and becoming active is not a diet. You need to re-frame your thinking.

It sounds to me like you don't want to or need to diet. What you do want and need to do is BE HEALTHIER. That is not a diet. You're not going to cut out healthy foods and nutritious foods and deprive... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:18 PM on July 11, 2008

I am not sure what you're describing exists, and second the sockpuppet idea. Can you conceal or alter identifying details?

If you just need to vent, I am happy to oblige, as I'm sure many MeFi members would be. Bonus: I am professionally discreet. MeMail me anytime.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 7:45 PM on July 8, 2008

St. Petersburg is an extraordinarily beautiful city. It's not just the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, the Neva River, the lush, expansive parks, or the incredible architecture and beautifully restored walks. It's all that, and some magic that the city has, that makes it one of the treasures of Europe. Walk through the old city, and you are in the silent presence of history. Turn on the radio at night to hear a message that has been transmitted faithfully since the city's occupation during WW2.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 1:26 PM on July 8, 2008

Oh, and I should say that there is some rivalry between the inhabitants of the two cities, and some dispute as to which is the more authentically "Russian," which has the most/best/___est "culture," and so on. St. Petersburg is definitely more European, as Peter the Great explicitly intended it to be, but don't mistake this for a blemish on its "Russianness."

In any case, be aware of the debate, because if you are asking this question,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 1:34 PM on July 8, 2008

Thanks, friends! I will look further into your excellent suggestions.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 8:30 AM on July 7, 2008

Ender's Game? Count of Monte Cristo?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 5:15 AM on July 3, 2008

Just because so many are recommending Sophie's World, I wanted to share that I read it when I was about 14 and it really pissed me off. I felt like the book was condescending and talked down to me. For what it's worth, I would recommend against that book.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 3:24 PM on July 3, 2008

Do you want those things, or do you want to be happy? They are not the same.

People are notoriously bad at predicting what will make them happy. It sounds like you've put together a list of things that you think will make you happy, and you could be right, but you could also be wrong. And measuring your life against an arbitrary list of goals and possessions is a good way to make what success you do have feel like failure. You will never achieve perfection in any one... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 11:06 AM on July 3, 2008

In Boston? Absolutely! Consider a book club or a night class on a subject that interests you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:17 AM on July 3, 2008

Do you have any female friends with whom you have a platonic (non-sexual) relationship? If not, cultivate some. It might help by changing the way you relate to and understand women.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2008

I've owned two fold-out couches from Jennifer Convertibles. Both cost a very reasonable (though not bargain-basement) amount. Both were very, very comfortable as couches. Both were... acceptable... as beds. The one I have now is leather, and it looks great and is great to sit on. I hear that they are not great at fixing thing that go wrong, but I can't comment since I've never had anything go wrong with either couch.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 2:45 PM on July 1, 2008

This is a scam, scam, scam. I've been looking for an apartment on Craigslist. I email everyone with a good deal, even if it seems too good to be true, just in case. The too good to be true apartments are always owned by people who have moved to the UK and have the only set of keys. Scam, scam, scam, scam, scam. Unless you turn on the news and they're reporting about an enormous exodus of landlords to the UK, steer clear of any cheap apartments with tricky foreign owners.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:14 AM on June 30, 2008 marked best answer

Sorry, please, can someone also explain to me whether or not it is possible that I have roach eggs in my ear?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 3:58 AM on June 24, 2008

To clarify, the roach appeared to be black and was literally the size of my hand (maybe six inches long?). I am in NYC. The window in the bedroom has been closed for days.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 4:17 AM on June 24, 2008

I did not dream it. Maybe roaches are usually people-phobic, but this one had no issues squatting on my face. No one I know is awake, and I have to go to work soon.

So, I assume as soon as I enter, this freakish, giant roach will fly at my face.

I really wish there was some solution, but maybe there isn't one? I hate this adult thing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 4:46 AM on June 24, 2008

Thanks you, guys, for your comments. Especially those of you who suggested that it was not a cockroach. Very strong case, very encouraging! I would far prefer a single rando bug to an infestation of many invincible roaches.

My hand was forced by the clock. In case anyone is ever in this position (blind, cowardly), here is what I ended up doing:

Armed with a gym bag for swatting away/trapping and a digital camera, I slowly opened the door. Then, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 5:26 AM on June 24, 2008

I can only speak for myself. I grew up in my mom's custody. My dad lives far away from my mom, so I see him about twice a year. Now that I'm an adult, I have even less time with him, since I suddenly have two weeks off a year total (what??? what about spring break??? summer vacation??? christmas???????) and have to split that time between my mom and dad.

When I was a teenager, there were many times that I needed my dad badly, but he wasn't there. He... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:09 PM on June 22, 2008

One of my favorite restaurants makes an incredible duck confit with goat cheese and cherries. Just a few, and they might be cooked a tiny bit, and the combination is AMAZING.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 3:25 PM on June 20, 2008

Cooking sounds good to me. Agree on a recipe neither of you has ever made that involves a lot of teamwork, and put aside money for pizza in case it flops. Try baking bread stuffed w/ cheese and/or chocolate, pounding the dough is so fun :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 8:31 AM on June 20, 2008

Those things sound like behaviors that irritate you. They do not sound like behaviors that get in the way of her ability to achieve her goals and be happy. If her weirdness makes it impossible for her to keep a job or maintain relationships (she's married, so at least one relationship seems to be able to withstand her oddball-ness), then you might want to think about whether or not it makes sense to talk to her about it. If she's just bugging you personally...... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:58 AM on June 20, 2008

First, some warnings:

Be careful with razor cuts. Not all hair reacts well to that technique. If your stylist wants to do a razor cut, ask him or her what their training/experience is, since these do not look good when done poorly, and consider doing a test piece first. I have seen some bad things happen with razor cuts, including on my own head. Also, when you're talking to the stylist, if you have a minimum length, make sure to tell her that your SHORTEST LAYER cannot... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 5:29 PM on June 18, 2008

Fun little mini-lesson, one in a series.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 8:26 PM on June 15, 2008

It would help to know: do you have blue fur?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 11:45 AM on June 10, 2008 marked best answer

30 or more chocolate chip cookies in a day, every week or two

This works out to 2-4 cookies a day. That's not a lot at all. It may seem excessive, because you're binging on a ton of cookies at a time, but spread out over one or two weeks, it's totally within reasonable bounds.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 12:59 PM on June 10, 2008

Have you tried toggl?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:18 AM on June 9, 2008 marked best answer

You need to tell him in an absolutely clear and unmistakable manner that you feel no desire to become romantically involved with him, that you have never felt such a desire in the past, and that you do not anticipate feeling such a desire in the future. I can only speak from my personal experience, of course. That experience has taught me that it is possible that your friendship with Josh is the result of his belief that he has a chance with you. If you want to have a friendship with him, you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:27 AM on June 6, 2008

Honesty can work. Say, "you know, this is usually when I'd try to say something witty and charming, but I actually feel kind of tongue-tied and shy. I really like you. Let's go to a movie so I don't have to talk."

See if admitting your feelings makes them easier to deal with.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 10:35 PM on June 4, 2008

Are you tracking changes? Does the problem go away once you accept all changes? This has solved many a problem for me in word.

If you could send or post a screenshot, that would help a lot.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:08 PM on June 4, 2008

Ask freya_lamb?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 6:37 PM on June 4, 2008

I am not sure that I understand, from your question, what it is that you want your software to do beyond "organizing," which is vague.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 12:09 PM on June 3, 2008

Leads: Joanne Jacobs has a blog that I think has linked to many such stories over the years. The blogs she links to are also good places to look for this. She wrote a book about something close to what you're asking about, but I am not sure that the focus was on community involvement.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 12:07 PM on June 3, 2008 marked best answer

My workplace does the following loving things for us:

--orders in fruit once a week, so there's always fresh fruit in the kitchenette.
--it's your birthday, you say? CAKE PARTY FOR ALL!
--Friday morning breakfast including a truly enormous bowl of fresh berries next to a large bowl of fresh whipped cream, a smoked fish platter, BACON, french toast or pancakes, muffins, croissants, bagels, etc.
--a summer outing (one day of relaxing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 2:09 PM on May 30, 2008

What subway lines is each apartment adjacent to, and how far is the walk to the stop?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:27 AM on May 30, 2008

I don't remember enough about the restaurants to be of much use, but I can tell you that you MUST go to Mike's after dinner and pick up their amazing, incredible, like nothing else you've ever had lobster tails. Just one will be enough for the two of you, and you can add some of their giant chocolate strawberries if you want to do the consensus romance thing. Then you can stroll down to those benches that are right on the water.

And if you don't find a romantic dinner... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:06 AM on May 30, 2008

Mike's is for tourists.

To be clear, do not attempt to go eat at Mike's, which is a crowded nightmare. Just buy the LOBSTER TAIL at Mike's. I've eaten in a lot of places at the North End, including Modern Pastry (eh). The lobster tails at Mike's are uniquely amazing and delicious, and if you aren't able to find a way to eat for <$50, I stand by my suggested Plan B of dessert & stroll to the water.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 9:24 AM on May 30, 2008

Paraleptic?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 11:05 AM on May 29, 2008

N-thing that it's not necessary for you to give her any explanation unless you have a personal need to unload your resentment. She's the company's problem, not yours, right? Let them take care of it, that's why the bosses get paid more.

Useful obfuscatory phrases:
personal reasons
interesting opportunity

If she presses you:
sorry, but I prefer not to discuss my personal life at work
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 7:50 AM on May 29, 2008

Since this is an issue that is likely to occur with another person, once I leave she will not be granted the opportunity to work with another US partner. This is why she needs to be told that it's because of the personality conflicts. This is what was told to me by my organisation.

If they've explicitly told you to inform her that she won't be working with another US Partner, that sucks for you. Is it really not an option for someone else at the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 7:55 AM on May 29, 2008

A good book about what it was like in Poland.
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 7:46 PM on May 28, 2008

This site seems to offer advice and test kits.

The best test is a long stay somewhere else -- if the migraines stop, then you've isolated the Two months of rent is not necessarily an absurd amount to spend to ensure health and a pleasant wedding. Try putting it this way to her: the lease is up in two months, so you'd likely be moving in 1.5 months as it is. You'd certainly have to start looking for a place in 1 month, if not sooner. So this is, at most, 1.5 months rent.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 11:13 AM on May 28, 2008

It just occurred to me: are you sure that the cost is really the issue for her? Maybe she is using the cost as an excuse to avoid having to move right before your wedding. Is she doing most of the wedding planning? If so, I can certainly understand her reluctance to take on a second enormously stressful project. Just in case that’s the problem, would it be possible for you to take on the work of moving? If you put it that way, maybe she will find that the money isn’t such a big barrier after all.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 11:17 AM on May 28, 2008

It sounds to me like you're confusing monogamy and character. Faithful, committed, honest people can have multiple partners. Lying, cheating, amoral people can lie and cheat their way through only one or two. How many sexual partners a woman or man has had is not going to be a perfect (or even a good) indicator of the values you think are so important. If you're looking for a litmus test for morality, this is not a useful one.

I agree with everyone who has said that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 5:13 AM on May 28, 2008

Go to Central Park and stretch out in a sunny place. Or try Prospect Park. Have any hobbies, like drawing or music? Wander around for hours in a big art supply/music store (try all the pens/guitars!). Just give yourself the afternoon off! Go to the farmer's market in Union Square, pick up some bread, cheese, maybe an apple, and eat it on a bench while peoplewatching. Walk from the East Village down to the LES and across to SoHo, then back up to Washington Square Park (or whatever parts of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 10:00 AM on May 27, 2008

When you dream about them, is there a feeling that always accompanies that part of the dream?
posted to Ask Metafilter by prefpara at 12:35 PM on May 23, 2008