Most grocery stores carry veggie burgers, veggie wieners, etc, that are incredibly simple to prepare (just heat 'em) and have lots of protein. Whole grains are good, too, because of the B12. Eggs of course have lots of protein, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:35 PM on August 8, 2008

I live in an old condo (about 80 years old). It seems to be someone told me I shouldn't pour bleach down the pipes, it was bad. Anyone know aything about this, or am I thinking of Drano?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 12:40 PM on August 8, 2008

Exercise a lot and listen to music that you love. Drink los of water and eat well. Pinpoint the times you feel lowest and eliminate the cause - caffeine, an acquaintance you'd rather not talk to, cigarettes, etc. Read books you love, watch movies you love, spend time with people you love. Get lots of fresh air and try to meet new people, a new perpective can do wonders.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 12:08 PM on August 8, 2008

I think or yoga or any exercise is good, really. Or sex or steam bathes or massage. Basically anything to make your body feel alive, instead of some "form." Why not stop trying to lose weight, and just enjoy where you're at for the moment?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 10:07 AM on August 6, 2008

Know that you are not going to panic, nor lose control. Breathe evenly and well. Practice driving on the highway, as others have suggested. When you're on the highway, concentrate on the place you are going to, wherever it is you want to go. Concentrate on the pleasantness of this place. I wonder why is it worse when someone else is in the car? Search your heart and mind - is there actually something else going on in your life you're not facing? Usually people project these things onto things,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:21 AM on August 1, 2008

Don't pick at them, they really will heal faster and without scars if you don't. Drink tons of water. Don't scrub your face, 'cause this will open them. Relax, they won't be with you forever.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:59 AM on August 1, 2008

Things you regret not doing? Address them. I say this because my dad was sick when I was about 23, and i remember once bursting into tears at a restaraunt with a friend, because I was remembering he used to take me there, and I was sad that he was no longer mobile and that I hadn't appreciated the lunches more. She wiped my tears and comforted me, but I wish (and i know i should have known myself) she had said, "Well, just do stuff with him now" I mean i was doing stuff with him, but I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:30 AM on August 1, 2008

I've read it's recommended that you not carry more than you need - i.e. not your passport, not your Social Security Card, not all 20 of your subway tokens. That way if you do get mugged (unlikely), you're not out that much. Just knowing there is not that much irreplaceable in your purse will lighten any angst I think. When I traveled I carried a money belt, tucked into my pants. That worked!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:23 PM on July 30, 2008

I think kids at that age are pulling away from their parents, which is only natural. However I would encourage regular family dinners and lots of conversation (not drilling) about their friends and so on. It's also not a bad age to start pointing out the importance of schooling in yuor future life, earnings, etc. Some chats about the harfulness of drugs and responsibility with alcohol, etc, are probably a good idea, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 3:25 PM on July 30, 2008

I remember in grade 1 or 2 the teacher teaching us about Base Ten, what our numer system is based on. She had bundles of 10 sticks tied together, and I think she showed us that, like, if you have 5 of those bundles, you have 50 sticks, and so on. I remeber that being really interesting, and I think it would help with the decimal system. If you find yourself getting frustrated, could you afford a tutor? Or maybe an aunt or something who is good at explaining things?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:15 AM on July 30, 2008

I think you should just enjoy how you're feeling. Something tells me he can sense that you love him, I think people usually can. : ) Don't listen to bitter people - your exuberance sounds great, and there is nothing wrong with saying I love you, nor with having babies, and I agree with whoever pointed that you said you "wanted to make babies with him", not that you were going to run out tomorrow and get pregnant. There is a vast difference, and I'm sure he is capable of understanding... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:09 AM on July 30, 2008

Hiya,

OK, first off, stop calling yourself a mess. Pull your self together - I agree with Bathtub that things like regular exercise, seeing friends and family are best.

Secondly, I think it's true you have to shop around for a good therapist, and ultimately, the issues are yours to sort out. Some people (I'm not implying you) I know have done stuff like seeking marriage counselling because they think the therapist will talk some sense ionto their... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:19 AM on July 30, 2008

Offer, proffer.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 11:34 AM on July 29, 2008

Christopher Moore (yes, a man, I know) wrote "Lamb" which was a story of Jesus's first 30 years.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:46 AM on July 29, 2008

You can't make him feel bad. Either he does, or he doesn't. trying to make someone else feel bad only makes you feel bad, in my experience. If you genuinely want someone there with you, choose someone you KNOW cares about you. Forget about him, and take care of yourself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:02 AM on July 26, 2008

No, you're not just some sucker. People get and do all kinds of things all the time. Does your wife work? Have you discussed this stuff with her?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:35 AM on July 24, 2008

Just practice. There's no reason to be exhausted after one lap; that just implies you're not in your top physical form. Also, are you possibly afraid of not touching bottom? I ask because you mention that with your dogs. If so, there is no reason to worry, you know how to swim, ergo, you don't need to worry about drowning. You just have to be tenacious and keep doing more laps.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:40 PM on July 23, 2008

My friend kept hers in her tampon box when she was living in the Ivory Coast lol.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 11:12 AM on July 21, 2008 marked best answer

I completely agree with wfrgms - $2000 is way too small an amount of money for ANYBODY to get interested in. Your lender sounds nuts.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 10:23 AM on July 21, 2008

Give yourself some adjustment time - 2 days is nothing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 12:37 PM on July 10, 2008

I think some business courses would be good for everyone, because ultimately everything is a business, even if you work in the arts. Also, I would say look around at the kind of work people who have graduated with the same degree as you are doing, and see if it appeals to you, and what further education, if any, those people pursued. You might want to start looking ahead to grad school.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 6:55 AM on July 10, 2008

Ask your doctor and use a backup method like the sponge or a condom.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 10:40 AM on July 3, 2008

It's just your conscience. I've experienced it, too. Yeah sometimes I can hear my mom in there. Your wisest self, God, your parents, arguments could be made for all, or even some combination.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:35 PM on June 17, 2008

Could check out Portugal. Not too cold, not too hot at that time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 12:13 PM on June 17, 2008

Yes go see a podiatrist.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:48 AM on June 3, 2008

I used to have anxiety sometimes sleeping alone in a home, and found just having a cat with me alleviated it. Obviously it's not going to scare away a burglar, but like you said, it's psychological, and that helped me. I find just thinking about the neighbours that I like helps, too, kind of positive thinking I guess you could say, like, Oh, if someone broke in, the neighbours would hear and help me.

You could install pretty wrought iron over the back door and window -... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:36 PM on June 2, 2008

Haha, the menacing face of PointyCat. ; )

Truly I think barricading yourself completely just augments your fear. Ditto to reading books about break-ins. Probably your girlfriend has some music that soothes her that she could listen to, or favourite books to read. And all hail the soothing pet! : )
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:50 PM on June 2, 2008

Yes I wasn't really sure about the age group, as this is a new arena for me. I may have to shorten the words if it works better for a younger audience.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 11:58 AM on May 27, 2008

I have contacted a few agents here in Canada, and found one who does represent children's lit. She charges to read (and edit) - her letter outlining what they do sounds reasonable, and it would likely cost me about $300 to have it read and edited by her people.

Is this a red flag, that she charges to read? She states in her letter that she represents one of the top ten children's authors in Canada, but doesn't name the person.

I am not... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:31 AM on May 30, 2008

I am Cdn, too, and used to use TD Waterhouse for my discount RSP acct, but then discovered etrade - they have no annual fee for their RRP account, versus I think it was $120 for the TD one. You may want to look at etrade.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 6:47 AM on May 29, 2008

Dismiss this if it's crazy - but what about wearing Depends on your European trip? Maybe just knowing they're there will decrease the anxiety. According to the ads, you can't tell people are wearing them. : )
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:12 PM on May 27, 2008

I was in Lisbon in spring 1999 and it was very inexpensive and very pretty. Hilly with some nice views, funiculars, etc. Good pastry if you have like rich, egg-yolky pastries. Lots of salty fish available. Some monuments to the big earthquake that destroyed it hundreds of years ago. Some nice Art Deco architecture.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 11:44 AM on May 9, 2008

Where are you? WHere was he before being there? Where does he want to go in a year or two? I think it'd be easier to try to give insight if you gave those details.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:29 AM on May 9, 2008

Jewelry! Like some classic diamond studs (earrings). She could wear them to work and also out at night.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:04 PM on May 7, 2008

I agree with Gungho - institute an "Item not as described" dispute with PayPal. And yeah tell the seller you are doing this first so they don't get unneccesarily upset. You will probably have to take the lens to a camera shop and get someone there to sign something saying it is damaged, that's how I was told they verify these claims of "Items Not As Described". I believe you have 45 days after payment to do this, so don't let that date pass.

I think... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:52 AM on May 7, 2008

If you see stuff you like on eBay, most eBay sellers would ship to an address other than your own (i.e. hers), and the return address would be the seller's, not yours of course.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:45 AM on May 7, 2008

Blissfully happy? Don't break up. The cheating advice is rotten, too. If you really see yourself growing old with him happily, I think the tough-guy fantasy (that he'll turn into one) is worth throwing overboard. I am SURE you can make your "mediocre" sex life better, and no, not by cheating. You will figure something out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:34 AM on May 6, 2008

I think this kind of thing is best reserved for the big boys, like people who manage mutual funds. You will pay exchange fees both ways, buying and selling, so that would eat into your profit, not to mention that you could bet "wrong" and lose money. Plus you;'d have 2 ponies involved, the USD plus whatever other one you're buying. If the other one goes up but so does the USD, there goes your profit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:24 AM on April 18, 2008

greek. To my undersatning they say "You are good?" as a greeting.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:07 AM on April 17, 2008

You might to wash the walls, etc, to get the smell out (and of course fix whatever is causing it)
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:56 AM on April 16, 2008

A rule of thumb I've often seen quoted is that you should ALWAYS have 6 months living expenses saved up before undertaking any new debt. This makes sense to me, so i think you should figure what 6 mos expenses is to you, accumulate that in a high-interest online savings account, and once you have that, consider getting the $100,000 loan you'll need to start your business.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:41 AM on April 15, 2008

I think they'd say "OK" alot, and other words that you often hear. Like maybe "Really", and yeah, like you said, brand names, or things like "Schwarzenegger", things that are known world-wide.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 11:03 AM on April 10, 2008

icicibank.com has higher interest rates thatn ING. Why not just open one account, and then split it three ways when they withdraw it? Less fuss and I think more interest that way because of compounding.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:43 AM on April 9, 2008

Get the masters. 30 is still young in the big picture. You'' earn more money with your Masters. I'm also sure you could find work drafting or something as a student with a respectable firm for work experience.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 9:42 AM on April 9, 2008

Peanut butter instead of tomato sauce. I believe Mollie Katzen/Moosewood has a recipe.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:08 AM on April 9, 2008

You could dice firm tofu really fine and toss it in there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:04 AM on April 9, 2008

I have a friend who INSISTS on saying "volumptous" for voluptous. And a coworker who says "You bet!" to absolutly everything, like, You: "Good night!" Her: "You bet!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:50 PM on April 4, 2008

I think you should nurture your new friends. In my experience, once people are busy with homes, spouses and babies, that's it, there is not much time left for anything else. And that's not a bad thing. You are at where you're at. Being a "crazy aunt" is not your only option - you could be "fun single woman" I don't think you're obligated to tell them how you're feeling, and I don't think sympathy is what you really want, who wants people to feel sorry for them?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 1:44 PM on April 2, 2008

I HAVE had a full-blown attack, and in case, it was because there were serious things i was ignoring/letting slide. (I knew I didn't want to be with my boyfriend (or part of me didn't) but I didn't know how to break up with him, I was unhappy about my job but again, not sure what to do, my dad was dying and I hadn't really faced that). I say, stop googling anxiety, and face your fears. Next time fly without alcohol. Try a new exercise/sport, it really does relax your mind as well as your body.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 8:25 AM on April 2, 2008

I think wondering what to tell people really means "What do I really think of this?" Once you've answered that, I think you've worked it out. No need to give them a really long explanation. People change jobs/careers every day.

I think if you have debt, it is important to work out all your finances before taking a pay cut. The rule-of-thumb I always read is that you should have 6 months living expenses set aside, enough to cover all your fixed expenses - rent,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Penelope at 7:50 AM on April 2, 2008